Administrative Assistant – Starke Ayres | Kempton Park, Gauteng

Company: Starke Ayres (Plennegy (Pty) Ltd.)
Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Date Posted: 30 April 2025
Reference Number: A070108
Contract Type: Permanent
Application Closing Date: Open until filled

🌱 About the Company

Starke Ayres is Africa’s leading specialist in premium seed varieties, serving both commercial farmers and home gardeners. A division of Plennegy (Pty) Ltd., the company has built a trusted global reputation for quality vegetable, flower, and lawn seeds. With a deep commitment to innovation, agricultural development, and sustainability, Starke Ayres supplies customers across continents with tailored seed solutions. The company culture is grounded in service excellence, research-driven progress, and dedicated support for internal and external stakeholders.

📋 Role Overview

Starke Ayres is seeking a highly organized and proactive Administrative Assistant to support the Orders and Africa Subsidiary Director, based at the Kempton Park office. The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of administrative functions, including export documentation, client coordination, file management, and logistics support. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced administrator who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment within the agriculture and exports sector.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

• Arrange pre-shipment inspections for international seed orders and ensure compliance with required export standards.

• Prepare and manage export documentation for all shipments, ensuring accuracy and adherence to destination country requirements.

• Maintain up-to-date customer and order files, ensuring timely archiving after a 3-year retention period.

• Allocate and submit invoices promptly to the Accounts Department for processing.

• Regularly update the export schedule with incoming orders and submit commercial orders to the ERP system to initiate the packing process.

• Keep an updated register of phytosanitary conditions and requirements for all export destinations.

• Coordinate with DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) for official sampling and product testing at external labs.

• Handle credit applications for new customers and service providers, ensuring proper liaison with the Finance Department.

• Obtain and compare freight quotations, providing customers with shipping cost analysis and recommendations.

• Assist walk-in customers with general inquiries and administrative support.

• Communicate shipping details such as vessel name, estimated departure, and arrival times to customers and relevant departments.

• Coordinate collection dates with the Packing Facility to ensure smooth dispatch of goods.

• Liaise directly with freight forwarders and shipping agents to confirm and track shipments to international destinations.

🎓 Qualifications and Experience

• Matric certificate (Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate) is essential.

• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in an administrative role, preferably in a logistics, export, or supply chain environment.

🛠️ Skills and Competencies

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Attention to detail, especially with documentation and compliance records.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a high-pressure setting.

• Solid understanding of logistics and export processes is highly advantageous.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ERP systems.

• A professional and service-oriented approach to internal and external stakeholders.

🎁 What the Company Offers

• Competitive, market-related salary.

• Exposure to international markets and logistics operations.

• Supportive team environment with career development opportunities.

• Be part of a globally recognized seed and agriculture brand.

• Comprehensive training on company systems and export protocols.

🌍 Equal Opportunity Statement

Starke Ayres is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, or background, are encouraged to apply.

📩 How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their applications via the official Plennegy careers platform or visit https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za/ to view this and other exciting administrative roles. Be sure to include the job reference number A070108 when applying.

🔎 Explore More Opportunities

Looking for more careers in logistics, agriculture, or sales administration? Browse hundreds of curated job listings at https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za/ and find the perfect role that suits your skills and ambitions.

📢 Apply now