Despatch Controller – Starke Ayres | Kempton Park, Gauteng
Company: Starke Ayres (Plennegy (Pty) Ltd.)
Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Date Posted: 5 May 2025
Job Reference Number: D150001 – Despatch
Contract Type: Permanent
Application Closing Date: Open until filled
🌾 About the Company
Starke Ayres, a division of Plennegy (Pty) Ltd., is the leading African specialist in premium vegetable, flower, and lawn seed varieties. With a strong international presence and deep-rooted legacy in agricultural innovation, Starke Ayres supplies superior quality seed to both commercial growers and home gardening enthusiasts. Operating at the intersection of tradition and technology, the company is driven by a vision to deliver exceptional service and products that support sustainable agriculture and food security across the globe.
📦 Role Overview
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Despatch Controller at the Starke Ayres operations hub in Kempton Park. This role is central to ensuring the timely, efficient, and accurate despatch of all goods in line with customer and business requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and experience in warehouse despatch processes. This position reports directly to the Depot Supervisor and supports daily coordination of deliveries, vehicle loading, documentation handling, and financial controls related to Cash on Delivery (COD) shipments.
🔧 Key Responsibilities
📤 Labour & Container Management
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Request labour assistance from the Depot Manager to ensure timely loading and off-loading of vehicles
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Inspect all containers for structural or contamination issues prior to loading and escalate defects immediately
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Oversee the safe, clean, and efficient loading of containers to ensure product security during transit
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Supervise all loading and off-loading operations, maintaining strict control over product handling and minimizing damage risk
📑 Invoice & Documentation Management
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Ensure that all invoices are received in line with the pre-planned SAMIS Route Planning schedule
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Accurately complete all despatch-related documents for sub-contractors and courier services
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File and match proof of delivery (POD) documents to the relevant orders and invoices
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Actively track and report outstanding PODs to the Depot Supervisor to avoid delivery discrepancies
🕒 Delivery Scheduling & Coordination
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Arrange timely collection and delivery appointments with subcontractors and courier partners
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Coordinate delivery slots with customers, including COD clients, ensuring availability and readiness
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Ensure all dispatched goods are supported by a completed and signed POD upon delivery
💰 Cash Handling & Financial Transactions
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Receive and sign off all COD payments from drivers and ensure funds are forwarded daily to the Admin Clerk
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Oversee all money handovers between depot staff and maintain a strict signature control process for cash security
🎓 Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Requirements
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Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate is essential
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2+ years experience in a warehouse, depot, or despatching environment
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Proven experience supervising despatch operations or managing drivers
Preferred Qualifications
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Warehousing Diploma or relevant tertiary certification in logistics or supply chain management
Skills and Competencies
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Excellent planning and coordination skills
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Strong command of both English and Afrikaans (spoken and written)
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Sound knowledge of the Kempton Park and surrounding regions for route planning
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Basic financial acumen for handling COD payments
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Competency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and despatching systems
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Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced logistics environment
Other Requirements
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Own reliable transport is essential for travel and off-site coordination
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Commitment to health and safety standards and company SOPs
🎁 What the Company Offers
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A competitive market-related salary
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Stability in a well-established and reputable agricultural brand
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A collaborative and supportive work environment
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Exposure to logistics operations within a global seed distribution company
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Opportunities for further training and skills development
🌍 Equal Opportunity Statement
Starke Ayres is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered fairly and without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, or background.
📥 How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, visit https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za/ and search for Despatch Controller – Reference Number D150001. Upload your detailed CV and include references relevant to your warehouse or logistics experience. Early applications are encouraged.
🔎 Explore More Opportunities
Discover more career opportunities in logistics, warehousing, and operations management at https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za/ – your trusted destination for professional job listings across South Africa.
