CFS Operations Supervisor – Warehousing & Stuffing

Job Purpose

Hands-on supervision of warehouse operations and export stuffing of containers, ensuring accurate receipt, proper stacking and safe, optimized stuffing of cargo into containers for export, while protecting cargo integrity, productivity and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise all warehousing activities – cargo receipt from truck / container, visual inspection, condition checks, counting, weighing and placing in allocated stacking location.

• Supervise and carry out stuffing of export containers including planning of cargo placement, loading pattern, weight distribution, securing / lashing and sealing.

• Supervise de-stuffing of import containers and delivery of cargo to customers / agents.

• Conduct and verify tallying of cargo at receipt, during storage and at stuffing / de-stuffing – ensuring quantity, description, marks, weight and condition match the documentation.

• Maintain accurate stacking plans for warehouses – by customer, by shipping line, by export destination – and ensure proper segregation, FIFO / FEFO and space optimization.

• Plan daily stuffing plan in coordination with the Documentation Officer and CFS Manager based on shipping line instruction, vessel cut-off, customer priority and yard / warehouse layout.

• Coordinate with reach-stacker, forklift and equipment operators for container positioning and movement between warehouse and stuffing bay.

• Ensure correct usage of lashing, dunnage, bracing, padding and strapping to prevent cargo damage during stuffing and transit.

• Prepare and maintain stuffing plans, photos, weight distribution checks, seal records and container condition reports for each shipment.

• Coordinate closely with the documentation team for stuffing instructions, B/L details, seal numbers and customs / shipping-line approvals before sealing containers.

• Monitor and report cargo damages, shortages, overages, wet / stained cargo, pest-infested cargo and other irregularities – and segregate as required.

• Coordinate the housekeeping, 5S, pest control and cleanliness standards in all warehouses.

• Ensure safe handling of export cargo – odd-size, heavy, hazardous, fragile – including use of appropriate PPE, equipment and trained manpower.

• Allocate and supervise warehouse teams, tally clerks, forklift operators, loaders and casual labour; record attendance and overtime.

• Maintain stock reports, daily warehouse position reports and inputs for billing / costs.

• Support investigations on cargo claims with proper documentation and photos.

Qualification & Skills

• Certificate / Diploma in Logistics, Warehousing, Supply Chain, Shipping or related field. Practical on-the-job training is equally valued.

• At least 4–6 years of hands-on experience in CFS / export warehouse operations, including tallying, stacking and export container stuffing.

• Strong, on-the-ground knowledge of stacking patterns, lashing / securing methods, dunnage and weight distribution for export containers.

• Demonstrated experience in handling a variety of export cargo – general cargo, FMCG, break-bulk, project cargo, customer-specific packing requirements.

• Good understanding of stuffing documentation – stuffing plans, container photos, weight distribution sheets and seal records.

• Working knowledge of warehouse safety, PPE and handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, reach stacker).

• Physically fit, willing to work on the warehouse floor and in the stuffing yard, including shifts and overtime when required.

• Good communication in English and Swahili; basic reporting skills.