The global logistics industry is the backbone of international trade, connecting businesses, economies, and people across continents. As supply chains continue to expand and global commerce becomes increasingly complex, logistics professionals play a vital role in ensuring goods move efficiently, safely, and on time. For professionals with expertise in ocean freight, export operations, and supply chain management, opportunities to work with internationally recognized logistics companies offer exceptional career growth.
DHL Global Forwarding is currently seeking an experienced OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor to join its Johannesburg team. This exciting full-time opportunity allows logistics professionals to become part of one of the world’s largest and most respected logistics organizations while leading export operations, gateway activities, and cross-trade services.
If you have experience in ocean freight operations, team leadership, customer relationship management, and international logistics, this position provides an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a global organization operating in more than 220 countries and territories.
About DHL Global Forwarding
DHL has been a pioneer in international logistics and cross-border shipping since 1969. Today, it forms part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics company, providing innovative transportation and supply chain solutions to businesses across virtually every industry.
DHL Global Forwarding specializes in air freight, ocean freight, road freight, customs brokerage, and integrated logistics services. The company offers both standardized transportation services and highly customized end-to-end supply chain solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of customers worldwide.
With approximately 30,000 logistics professionals operating across an extensive international network, DHL Global Forwarding continues to set industry standards for operational excellence, customer service, and logistics innovation.
Its vision is simple yet powerful: The Logistics Company for the World.
An Exciting Leadership Opportunity
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor position is designed for an experienced logistics professional who can successfully lead export operations while ensuring outstanding customer service and operational efficiency.
Based in Johannesburg, the successful candidate will oversee teams responsible for Ocean Freight Exports, Gateway Operations, and Cross Trade services.
This leadership role combines operational management, customer relationship development, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Working closely with customers, suppliers, international partners, and internal stakeholders, the successful candidate will contribute directly to DHL’s commitment to delivering world-class logistics services.
Purpose of the Role
The primary objective of this position is to manage and support Ocean Freight Export and Gateway operations while ensuring shipments are processed efficiently and in compliance with global standards.
The supervisor will focus on:
- Delivering exceptional customer service
- Maximizing gross profit
- Improving operational productivity
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
- Leading high-performing teams
- Supporting business growth
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives
By maintaining high operational standards and fostering a customer-centric culture, the successful candidate will contribute significantly to DHL’s long-term success.
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Leading Ocean Freight Export Operations
Ocean freight remains one of the most critical components of international trade.
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor will lead teams responsible for managing export shipments from origin through destination while ensuring compliance with DHL’s Global Transport Operating Model (GTOM), One First One (1F1O) standards, and international trade regulations.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing export shipment processing
- Supervising freight specialists
- Ensuring shipment accuracy
- Maintaining service quality
- Supporting operational excellence
- Driving productivity improvements
Strong leadership skills will be essential for guiding teams while maintaining high performance standards.
Managing Gateway and Cross Trade Operations
Gateway operations involve coordinating international cargo movements between multiple countries and transportation hubs.
The successful candidate will oversee gateway activities while ensuring shipments are processed efficiently and customer expectations are consistently met.
Cross-trade operations require effective coordination between different countries without cargo entering the originating country.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting gateway teams
- Monitoring gateway files
- Managing cross-trade profitability
- Coordinating international shipments
- Supporting business expansion
Effective planning and attention to detail are essential for ensuring seamless international logistics operations.
Customer Relationship Management
Customer satisfaction is central to DHL’s success.
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor will build strong relationships with existing customers while identifying opportunities to expand business through additional logistics services.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting customer visits
- Reviewing customer feedback
- Supporting customer retention
- Identifying upselling opportunities
- Managing customer expectations
- Resolving service concerns
By maintaining proactive communication and delivering consistent service quality, the successful candidate will help strengthen long-term customer partnerships.
Driving Operational Excellence
Continuous improvement is a core principle within DHL Global Forwarding.
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor will proactively monitor operational performance while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and service quality.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring operational KPIs
- Conducting Gemba walks
- Reviewing team performance
- Supporting process improvements
- Enhancing customer satisfaction
- Implementing standardized procedures
Using DHL’s standardized performance management tools, the successful candidate will help drive operational excellence across the department.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
International freight forwarding requires strict adherence to customs regulations, international trade requirements, and shipping standards.
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor will ensure that export operations comply with all applicable regulatory requirements relating to commodities, shipping destinations, customs documentation, and international trade laws.
Compliance responsibilities include:
- Customs documentation
- Export regulations
- Commodity compliance
- Shipment monitoring
- Risk management
- Regulatory reporting
Maintaining compliance protects both customers and the organization while supporting efficient international trade.
Managing Ocean Freight Processes
The role includes responsibility for a wide range of ocean freight operational activities.
These include:
- Confirming transport orders
- Creating shipment bookings
- Optimizing freight bookings
- Preparing export documentation
- Distributing shipping documents
- Managing Bills of Lading
- Updating shipment status
- Monitoring customs information
- Resolving operational incidents
Attention to detail is critical for ensuring shipment accuracy and minimizing delays.
Supplier and Carrier Management
Effective logistics operations rely on strong relationships with shipping lines, transport providers, and logistics partners.
The successful candidate will monitor supplier performance while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Responsibilities include:
- Evaluating carrier performance
- Monitoring supplier service levels
- Supporting performance improvements
- Managing transport relationships
- Addressing operational issues
Strong stakeholder management skills help ensure consistent service delivery across the logistics network.
Leading High-Performing Teams
As a supervisor, people leadership forms an important part of the role.
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor will lead a team of freight specialists while creating an environment focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Leadership responsibilities include:
- Coaching employees
- Conducting performance reviews
- Supporting professional development
- Facilitating open communication
- Encouraging teamwork
- Creating a safe working environment
By developing employee capabilities, the successful candidate contributes to long-term organizational success.
Skills and Experience Required
DHL is seeking professionals with strong operational knowledge and leadership experience within the freight forwarding industry.
Important technical knowledge includes:
- Ocean freight exports
- Freight forwarding
- Shipping operations
- Carrier management
- Third-party logistics
- Port operations
- Ground transportation
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
- Cold chain logistics
- Bills of Lading
- Shipment tracking
- Customs brokerage
- Import and export regulations
Candidates with comprehensive knowledge across these areas will be well positioned for success.
Technology and Business Knowledge
Modern logistics relies heavily on technology and digital platforms.
The successful candidate should demonstrate familiarity with:
- Customer Relationship Management systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Logistics management systems
- Operational performance tools
- Technology trends
- DHL business processes
- Business strategy
- Market research
Strong digital literacy supports improved operational efficiency and decision-making.
Leadership Competencies
Beyond technical expertise, DHL values professionals who can effectively lead teams and influence stakeholders.
Essential competencies include:
- People management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Negotiation
- Presentation skills
- Storytelling
- Facilitation
- Feedback delivery
- Project management
- Resource planning
- Influencing skills
These capabilities enable supervisors to build motivated teams while maintaining strong customer relationships.
Why Build Your Career at DHL?
Joining DHL Global Forwarding offers numerous professional advantages.
Employees become part of an organization recognized globally for innovation, operational excellence, and career development.
Benefits include:
- Working within a global logistics leader.
- Exposure to international supply chain operations.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Continuous learning and professional development.
- Collaborative working environment.
- Access to advanced logistics technologies.
- International career opportunities.
With operations in more than 220 countries, DHL provides employees with exceptional opportunities to develop global expertise.
A Certified Top Employer
DHL Global Forwarding has earned recognition as a Top Employer, reflecting its commitment to creating an outstanding workplace where employees can thrive.
The company actively invests in talent development, leadership training, diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
As part of its DGF Strategy 2025, DHL continues to prioritize the advancement of talented professionals while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
DHL is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and business requirements without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.
The company values diversity because diverse perspectives strengthen innovation, collaboration, and customer service.
Final Thoughts
The OFR Export & Gateway Supervisor position in Johannesburg presents an outstanding opportunity for experienced logistics professionals seeking to grow their careers within one of the world’s leading freight forwarding organizations.
This role combines operational leadership, customer relationship management, international logistics, regulatory compliance, and business development, offering significant opportunities for career progression and professional growth.
If you are passionate about ocean freight, international trade, team leadership, and delivering world-class logistics solutions, DHL Global Forwarding offers an exciting environment where your expertise can make a meaningful impact while contributing to the company’s mission of Connecting People, Improving Lives.