Transnet SOC Ltd
South Africa’s ports are gateways to international trade, handling millions of tons of cargo annually. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and the National Ports Authority (TNPA) employ thousands of professionals who coordinate shipping operations, manage cargo flow, and ensure efficient port logistics.
What is Port Operations & Logistics?
Port operations and logistics involve the complex coordination of activities required to move cargo efficiently through ports. This includes vessel scheduling, cargo handling, equipment management, documentation, customs clearance, and ensuring smooth integration between sea, road, and rail transport.
Why Choose a Career in Port Operations?
- Dynamic Environment: Every day brings new challenges in international trade
- Career Growth: Clear progression from coordinator to manager roles
- Competitive Pay: R15,000–R45,000/month depending on role and experience
- Global Exposure: Work with international shipping lines and cargo from around the world
- Job Security: Ports are essential infrastructure that will always need skilled professionals
- Variety: Roles span operations, planning, documentation, customer service, and management
Many professionals start as general workers in ports and progress into specialized operations roles through on-the-job training and development programs.
Explore Other Transnet Career Paths
Don’t limit yourself! Discover more opportunities across Transnet:
→ General Worker Jobs – NO EXPERIENCE | R10,000-R15,000/month
→ Apprenticeships – PAID TRAINING | 3-4 years | R6,000-R12,000/month
→ Learnerships & Graduate Programs – FOR GRADUATES | R4,000-R10,000/month
→ Artisan & Technician – HIGH DEMAND | R18,000-R35,000/month
→ Train Driver – SPECIALIZED | R18,000-R40,000/month
→ Engineering & Project Management – PROFESSIONAL | R35,000-R80,000+/month
→ Warehouse & Inventory – HANDS-ON | R14,000-R35,000/month
→ Port Operations & Logistics – MARITIME | R15,000-R45,000/month
→ Security & Asset Protection – PSIRA REQUIRED | R10,000-R28,000/month
→ Safety, Health & Environmental – COMPLIANCE | R20,000-R50,000/month
→ Finance, HR & Corporate – OFFICE-BASED | R15,000-R70,000+/month
Every role offers: Job security | Medical aid | Provident fund | Career growth | Training
Compare All Careers → | Salary Calculator → | Apply Now →
Port Operations & Logistics Positions at Transnet
1. Cargo Operations Coordinator
What You’ll Do: Coordinate the loading and unloading of vessels, plan cargo stowage, liaise with shipping agents, and ensure efficient terminal operations. Monitor cargo movement from vessel to storage to final destination.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan vessel berthing and cargo operations schedules
- Coordinate with stevedores, equipment operators, and shipping agents
- Monitor cargo handling to ensure efficiency and safety
- Prepare operational reports and documentation
- Resolve operational issues and delays
- Ensure compliance with safety and security protocols
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Maritime Studies
- 1-3 years experience in port or logistics operations (entry-level roles available)
- Understanding of cargo types and handling procedures
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- Proficiency in port management systems
- Shift work availability (ports operate 24/7)
Salary Range: R15,000–R28,000/month
Work Locations: Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London, Ngqura
Career Path: Progress to Senior Coordinator → Operations Supervisor → Terminal Manager
2. Terminal Planner
What You’ll Do: Develop operational plans for terminal activities, optimize equipment utilization, schedule vessel operations, and coordinate resources to maximize efficiency and minimize vessel turnaround times.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create daily and weekly operational plans
- Optimize yard layouts and container/cargo positioning
- Schedule cranes, reach stackers, and other equipment
- Plan workforce allocation for each shift
- Monitor KPIs and identify improvement opportunities
- Coordinate with shipping lines on vessel schedules
Requirements:
- Degree/Diploma in Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or Operations Management
- 2-4 years port planning or logistics experience
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in planning software and MS Excel
- Understanding of terminal operations and equipment capabilities
- Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines
Salary Range: R20,000–R35,000/month
Work Locations: Major container terminals—Durban, Cape Town, Ngqura
3. Vessel Traffic Coordinator (TNPA)
What You’ll Do: Manage vessel movements within port waters, coordinate berthing and unberthing operations, communicate with ship captains and pilots, and ensure safe navigation within the port.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor vessel traffic in port waters using VTS systems
- Coordinate with harbor pilots for vessel movements
- Allocate berths based on vessel schedules and cargo requirements
- Communicate with ships via VHF radio
- Respond to marine emergencies and coordinate assistance
- Maintain accurate records of vessel movements
Requirements:
- Maritime qualification or diploma in Port Operations
- VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) certification (training provided)
- 1-3 years experience in marine operations or navigation
- Excellent communication skills (English essential)
- Ability to make quick decisions under pressure
- Shift work including nights and weekends
Salary Range: R18,000–R32,000/month
Work Locations: TNPA operations at all major ports
4. Port Operations Supervisor
What You’ll Do: Supervise day-to-day terminal operations, manage teams of general workers and operators, ensure safety compliance, and coordinate with various stakeholders to achieve operational targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise cargo handling and equipment operations
- Manage shift teams (20-100+ workers)
- Conduct safety briefings and ensure PPE compliance
- Monitor operational performance and productivity
- Address operational challenges and conflicts
- Liaise with clients, shipping agents, and internal departments
- Prepare shift reports and incident documentation
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Logistics, Operations Management, or Maritime Studies
- 3-5 years port operations experience
- Proven supervisory or team leadership experience
- Strong understanding of port equipment and operations
- Safety certification (advantageous)
- Leadership and conflict resolution skills
Salary Range: R25,000–R40,000/month
Work Locations: All Transnet ports and terminals
Career Path: Progress to Terminal Manager → Operations Manager → Port Manager
5. Logistics Coordinator/Analyst
What You’ll Do: Analyze operational data, identify efficiency improvements, coordinate multi-modal transport (sea-rail-road), manage cargo documentation, and support supply chain optimization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Track and analyze operational KPIs
- Coordinate intermodal transport connections
- Optimize cargo routing and scheduling
- Prepare performance reports for management
- Identify bottlenecks and propose solutions
- Support continuous improvement initiatives
Requirements:
- Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or Business
- 2-4 years logistics or supply chain experience
- Strong analytical skills and data proficiency (Excel, BI tools)
- Understanding of maritime logistics and supply chains
- Process improvement knowledge (Lean/Six Sigma advantageous)
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills
Salary Range: R20,000–R38,000/month
Work Locations: Port headquarters and terminal offices
6. Customer Service Representative (Shipping/Port)
What You’ll Do: Serve as primary contact for shipping lines and cargo owners, process documentation, handle customer inquiries, coordinate cargo movements, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Respond to customer inquiries about cargo status and services
- Process booking requests and cargo documentation
- Coordinate with operations teams on customer requirements
- Resolve customer complaints and service issues
- Provide rate quotes and service information
- Maintain customer records and communication logs
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Business, Logistics, or related field
- 1-3 years customer service experience (logistics/shipping preferred)
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems
- Understanding of shipping terminology and processes
- Problem-solving and customer-focused mindset
Salary Range: R15,000–R25,000/month
Work Locations: Port offices at major terminals
Related: Similar skills to corporate customer service roles
7. Terminal Manager
What You’ll Do: Oversee all terminal operations, manage large teams, set strategic objectives, ensure financial performance, maintain client relationships, and drive operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage overall terminal operations and performance
- Lead teams of supervisors, coordinators, and operations staff
- Develop and implement operational strategies
- Manage terminal budgets and financial targets
- Build relationships with key clients and shipping lines
- Ensure safety, security, and environmental compliance
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation
Requirements:
- Degree in Logistics, Business Management, Maritime Studies, or Engineering
- 7-10+ years port operations experience with 3-5 years in management
- Proven track record in operational leadership
- Financial management and P&L responsibility experience
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
Salary Range: R50,000–R80,000+/month
Work Locations: Major container and bulk terminals
8. Supply Chain Manager
What You’ll Do: Oversee end-to-end supply chain processes for port operations, manage vendor relationships, optimize inventory and equipment availability, and coordinate with engineering and procurement teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop supply chain strategies for terminal operations
- Manage equipment and spare parts inventory
- Coordinate with suppliers and service providers
- Optimize procurement processes and costs
- Ensure equipment availability for operations
- Implement supply chain technologies and systems
Requirements:
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business
- 5-8 years supply chain/procurement experience
- Port or heavy equipment industry experience preferred
- Strategic sourcing and contract management skills
- ERP/SAP proficiency
- Strong negotiation and relationship management abilities
Salary Range: R45,000–R70,000/month
Work Locations: Port headquarters and regional offices
Port Operations & Logistics Salary Guide
| Position | Experience Level | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Operations Coordinator | Entry (0-2 years) | R15,000–R20,000 | R180,000–R240,000 |
| Cargo Operations Coordinator | Intermediate (3-5 years) | R20,000–R28,000 | R240,000–R336,000 |
| Terminal Planner | Junior (2-4 years) | R20,000–R28,000 | R240,000–R336,000 |
| Terminal Planner | Senior (5+ years) | R28,000–R35,000 | R336,000–R420,000 |
| Vessel Traffic Coordinator | Entry-Mid | R18,000–R25,000 | R216,000–R300,000 |
| Vessel Traffic Coordinator | Senior | R25,000–R32,000 | R300,000–R384,000 |
| Port Operations Supervisor | Mid-level | R25,000–R35,000 | R300,000–R420,000 |
| Port Operations Supervisor | Senior | R35,000–R40,000 | R420,000–R480,000 |
| Logistics Coordinator/Analyst | Entry-Mid | R20,000–R28,000 | R240,000–R336,000 |
| Logistics Coordinator/Analyst | Senior | R28,000–R38,000 | R336,000–R456,000 |
| Customer Service Rep | Entry-Mid | R15,000–R20,000 | R180,000–R240,000 |
| Customer Service Rep | Senior | R20,000–R25,000 | R240,000–R300,000 |
| Terminal Manager | Manager | R50,000–R65,000 | R600,000–R780,000 |
| Terminal Manager | Senior Manager | R65,000–R80,000+ | R780,000–R960,000+ |
| Supply Chain Manager | Manager | R45,000–R60,000 | R540,000–R720,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | Senior Manager | R60,000–R70,000+ | R720,000–R840,000+ |
How to Apply for Port Operations & Logistics Jobs
Step 1: Identify Your Target Role
Review the positions above and determine which aligns with your qualifications, experience, and career goals. Consider entry-level roles if you’re starting out or lateral moves if changing careers.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Create a targeted CV highlighting:
- Relevant qualifications and certifications
- Logistics, supply chain, or maritime experience
- Software proficiencies (MS Office, SAP, port systems)
- Customer service and stakeholder management experience
- Achievements in previous roles (efficiency improvements, cost savings, etc.)
- Leadership and supervisory experience (if applicable)
Step 3: Search for Vacancies
- Transnet Career Portal: jobs.transnet.net
- Search Terms: “port operations,” “logistics,” “cargo,” “terminal,” “vessel,” “supply chain”
- Filter By: Location (your preferred port), division (TPT or TNPA)
- Set Alerts: Receive notifications for new postings
Explore Related Transnet Career Paths
Customer service connects with all aspects of Transnet:
- General Worker Jobs → – Entry pathway to Transnet
- Apprenticeship Programs → – Technical training opportunities
- Artisan & Technician Careers → – Support customers by ensuring equipment works
- Port Operations & Logistics → – Coordinate closely with operations
- Train Driver Positions → – Customer service supports rail operations
- Engineering & Project Management → – Service quality depends on reliable assets
- Safety, Health & Environmental → – Safety is part of customer promise
- Finance, HR & Corporate Services → – Sales, marketing, admin support roles
- Warehouse & Inventory Management → – Inventory affects service delivery
- Security & Asset Protection → – Security ensures reliable service
- Learnerships & Graduate Programs → – Entry pathway for graduates