We’re looking for a talented Port Logistics Officer who shares our values and our belief in a better future for mining. Could you be one of them?

Thungela Resources [Thungela means “to ignite” in isiZulu] is a leading South African thermal coal business, focused exclusively on thermal coal production.  It is one of the largest pure-play producers and exporters of thermal coal in South Africa based on aggregate coal reserves and marketable coal production. Thungela focuses on exporting its thermal coal portfolio mainly to the Indian, Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East and North African markets.

Provide efficient coordination of vessel-related processes, minimising demurrage penalties, and maintaining accurate port information to optimise the overall performance of shipping operations

The focus areas for this role will be to manage and co-ordinate the following:

• Ensure seamless coordination with the Customer’s Sales Operations team.
• Act as a primary liaison between Thungela and the Customer’s Sales Operations teams, facilitating efficient communication and support for port processes in adherence to SLAs.
  • Manage vessel-related entries into RBCT SLS and any internal vessel management systems.
  • Oversee the timely submission of vessel nominations, substitutions, and cessions, and ensure the accurate entry of stowage plans and loading instructions into RBCT SLS.
  • Administer the full vessel management process.
  • Conduct timely RBCT and GPC vessel clearing confirmations, facilitate the distribution of relevant sailing and shipping documentation, and provide support for the finalization of documentary instructions to minimize demurrage penalty fees.
• Minimize demurrage penalties through efficient process execution, timely escalation, and remediation of shipping documentation issues.
  • Provide rotational on-call support for global Sales Operations Teams.
  • Ensure 24-hour interface availability with Customers’ Sales Operations Teams in Dubai, and any other location where TOPL may sell to, addressing their needs and inquiries promptly.
  • Identify and address issues impacting the vessel management process.
  • Actively identify, communicate, and assist in resolving physical and financial inefficiencies, contributing to the development and execution of action plans.
  • Maintain accurate Richards Bay Port information.
  • Gather and provide specialized statistics related to commodity flows for the Marketing team when required.
  • Conduct and oversee laytime calculations
  • Administer vessel management information related laytime calculations.
  • Track laycan nomination details, rates, and act as a coordinator between Thungela Customers, ensuring compliance with SLA.
• Track sailing details, obtain Statement of Facts (SOF) downloads, and facilitate the timely distribution of accurate SOF to customers, minimizing discrepancies and ensuring compliance.
• Record details of deadweight and rates, track destinations of shipments, average parcel sizes, and average rates, and settle any disputed times or rates on vessels in line with SLA.
• Manage Port logistics planning to enable efficient vessel loading within the Month of execution
  • Proactive logistics planning by monitoring vessel line-ups, rail performance, stockpile levels, and berth allocation to identify bottlenecks early.
  • Forward-looking scenario planning to prevent delays in vessel loading, equipment outage impacts, and weather-related disruptions.

People & Teams

• Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, understand and deliver on their operational needs, and identify and resolve issues timeously.

• Demonstrate behaviour in line with Thungela values, standards, and control maintenance a professional workplace across all sites.

• Participate as an effective team member and work collaboratively with leaders, peers, and others to achieve business goals.

• Contribute to the broader business by working with other teams in such a way that it optimises the overall business results.

Commercial

• Plan, manage and control the budget for the relevant areas of responsibilities.

• Identify any opportunities for improved cost and commercial management and propose with applicable action plans.

Safety, Health & Environment

• Demonstrate behaviours in line with health, safety and environmental standards.

• Participate in relevant safety audits, inspections and observations, and address issues as part of demonstrating safety leadership.

This role is a C4 level reporting to the Port Logistics Specialist and based in Richards Bay, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

• National Diploma or Advanced Certificate in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field (NQF Level 6)
• Valid Driver’s Licence 

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the management of shipping logistics, with specific experience in laycan calculations and laytime
• Good experience related to RBCT shipping regulations.
• Proficient knowledge of shipping logistics and specifically the process related to laycan calculations and administration. Emerging knowledge of International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations
• Advantageous: Experience in Thermal Coal

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of mining and other relevant legislation applicable to Thungela incl.:
• Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, No 28 of 2002
• Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993
• Protection of Personal Information Act, No 4 of 2013
• National Railway Safety Regulator Act, No 16 of 2002
• National Road Traffic Act, No 93 of 1996
• National Ports Act, No 12 of 2005

• Proficient knowledge of RBCT shipping logistics administration regulations

• Proficient knowledge of systems that enable vessel management including the RBCT shipping SLS.

• Proficient knowledge of systems that enable laycan calculations including the RBCT shipping SLS.

Commercial

• Proficient knowledge of data analysis and reporting techniques, processes, and tools

• Proficient understanding the marketing and metallurgy value chains, financial concepts, and appropriate risk management.

• Real-time decision‑making where operational pressure demands quick, accurate choices that protect throughput and turnaround times.
• Strong situational awareness of the entire value chain from TFR rail delivery → stockyard → terminal systems → ship loading.
• Rapid problem-solving when plans shift — e.g., rail delays, demurrage risk, equipment unavailability, or sudden vessel priority changes.
• A continuous improvement mindset, especially around reducing delays, improving accuracy of planning data, improving operational flow, and minimizing demurrage risk.
• Evaluating risks and choosing the best course of action with limited time.

Management

• Proficient knowledge of stakeholder management

• Knowledge of the mining and metallurgy value chains

Compliance

• Emerging knowledge of Thungela Marketing policies, procedures, standards, and systems.

What we offer

When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time.

Who we are?

Thungela is a pure play coal mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers around the world.

Inclusion and Diversity

Thungela is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How we are committed to your safety

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.