Sarah Datadin
Senior Vessel Planner
Springs
Summary
Dynamic logistics professional with extensive experience at CTI Cold Store, excelling in comprehensive load management and customer relationship management. Proven track record in reducing demurrage costs and enhancing container throughput. Strong leadership and attention to detail drive operational excellence and foster collaboration across teams for improved performance.
Experienced with vessel load planning, logistics coordination, and efficient cargo management. Utilizes analytical skills to develop and implement optimal cargo stowage plans. Track record of improving operational efficiency and ensuring timely departures and arrivals.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
I am a mature Lady of challenge and I am confident that there are no aspects of the given job that I
cannot do. I am a competent and diligent worker who produces work of a consistently high standard.
I am self-motivated person and therefore willing to accept challenges. Being a team worker I feel that I
can contribute in any work environment and ought to prove myself beneficial and valuable to any
organization.
I am passionate about my career and am confident that given the opportunity to develop myself
extensively in the organization, I will have a better insight of my capabilities and thus achieve ultimate
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Senior Vessel Planner
CTI Cold Store
City Deep, Johannesburgh, South Africa
01.2024 - Current
- Managed vessel space allocation to maximize utilization while ensuring safety and stability requirements were met.
- Assisted in training new hires on company processes and software tools, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience and consistent work quality.
- Collaborated with port authorities, shipping lines, and agents for smooth vessel movements in and out of the harbor.
- Reduced demurrage costs by proactively monitoring berth availability and adjusting schedules accordingly.
- Maintained accurate records of all planned vessels in the fleet, facilitating prompt updates to internal teams on changes in schedules or capacities.
- Conducted post-voyage evaluations to identify areas for improvement in future load plans or operational procedures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing inquiries regarding sailing schedules, transit times, and special cargo requirements in a timely manner.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders across the supply chain, fostering collaboration and information sharing for improved overall performance.
- Improved container throughput by accurately forecasting import and export volumes, enabling better resource planning at terminals.
- Coordinated closely with the commercial team to prioritize high-yield cargoes during vessel space allocation.
- Developed effective communication channels between various stakeholders, leading to smoother coordination during vessel calls at ports.
- Participated in industry conferences and workshops to stay current on emerging trends and technology advancements in vessel planning.
- Issued shipping instructions and provided routing information to achieve on-time, accurate deliveries.
- Verified shipping and receiving counts matched picking and purchase order documents.
- Established relationships with trucking companies to acquire long-term business commitments and desirable rates.
- Monitor age of fruit and ensure its dispatched before it needs to go for re inspection - Liaise with clients
- Book 1st and re inspection of perishable goods
- Arrange and obtain the nessary documentation required example - Global G.A.P / Chain of custody , BRCGS Issue 7 ,FBO codes with the department of Agriculture SA
- Plan pallet IDs as per client requests per shipment
- Pre advise container for both road and rail
- Communicate with clients on their upcoming forecast for the week
- Ensure clients send their Titan bookings to avoid delayed loading
- Assist clients with all queries
- Ensure all information on Q67 & Loud outs are correct as per client and nothing is duplicated – Example: Vessel , loud date , VGM method, client reference , loud out
- Ask Clients for phytclean dates and ensure its not expired on the day of loading, if expired create a new phytclean.
Senior Logistics Coordinator
CTI Logistics
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Implemented safety protocols within the warehouse environment, significantly reducing workplace accidents and injuries.
- Led initiatives focused on environmental sustainability within the logistics function, including waste reduction measures such as recycling programs or reusable packaging solutions.
- Coordinated international shipments seamlessly while navigating complex import/export regulations and ensuring compliance with all relevant customs requirements.
- Developed and maintained key relationships with vendors and carriers to secure preferential pricing and service levels, benefiting both the organization and its customers.
- Managed a cross-functional team of logistics professionals to ensure smooth operations, maintaining strong communication and collaboration among all departments.
- Streamlined inventory management processes by implementing an efficient tracking system, reducing product loss and improving order accuracy.
- Reduced transportation costs with strategic route planning and carrier negotiations, resulting in significant savings for the company.
- Collaborated with sales teams to ensure accurate demand forecasting, enabling better alignment between production schedules and customer needs.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with freight forwarders, securing competitive rates without compromising on quality or reliability of service.
- Enhanced warehouse productivity by optimizing storage layouts and updating standard operating procedures for staff members.
- Tracked orders and notified customers of status or potential delays.
- Coordinated shipments and tracked progress to facilitate timely delivery.
- Managed loading, unloading, movement, and sorting of supplies to keep deliveries on schedule.
- Created reports to provide insights into logistics operations and performance.
- Updated and maintained databases to track shipments and inventory.
- Pre advise export containers
- Update clients once export containers are stacked at the port
Operations Manager
Bmg Holdings
08.2017 - 04.2023
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
- Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Receive and action instructions from clients.
o Updating clients on import and export deliveries.
o Ensuring containers are updated on navis / TPT call center,
o Liaising with drivers for POD’s,
o Invoicing clients,
o Apply for DRT, DCT , PIER 1 bookings.
o Checking on vessel berth, export stacks, import storage.
o Terminal bookings for imports and exports
o Assisting clients with queries
o Insuring imports are pulled out from the terminal in time
o Insuring exports are stacked in time
o Insuring empty containers are turned in correctly and on
time
Education
Bachelor Matric Pass -
Queenburgh Girls High School
Durban , South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Document management
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- HACCP Member
- Food and Safety Management
- Fist Aider Level 2
- Udemy - Logistics and Supply Chains, Fundamentals, Design, Operations
- Udemy -Productivity and Time Management Masterclass
- Udemy - Master Microsoft Outlook - Outlook from Beginner to Advanced
Certification
Food and Safety Management
Travelling, Volunteering , Networking and Cooking
I love Travelling and viewing new places and learning about the different cultures and how people live their daily lives.
I have a passion for volunterring - the local shelters for animals and homeless people as i get to engage with the animals and show them love and warth which they do not get so often. Homeless people where we get to share the word of God and encourage them to live a better life and to stop being addicts so they can grow again into people they were before or even better
I love cooking different dishes and coming up with my own recipes and combinations , i admire how i can cook dishes without measurements like curries , sauces , pastas and it always comes out perfect.
Timeline
Basic First Aider Level 2
10-2025
Food and Safety Management
04-2025
Productivity and Time Management
12-2024
Logistics and Supply Chains - Fundamentals, Design , Operations
11-2024
Basic First Aider
03-2024
Senior Vessel Planner
CTI Cold Store
01.2024 - Current
Senior Logistics Coordinator
CTI Logistics
05.2023 - 01.2024
Operations Manager
Bmg Holdings
08.2017 - 04.2023
Bachelor Matric Pass -
Queenburgh Girls High School
04.2001 -