Job Description

Job Summary
Our client, a leader in the Supply Chain and Logistics industry, is seeking to employ an experienced Operations Director to their leadership team, based in Benoni, Johannesburg.
10 years' experience in the transport industry, with at least 7 years in Executive Management secures this senior appointment.
A wonderful career opportunity awaits you!
Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Logistics and Supply Chain Management or Transport Management.
• Postgraduate degree will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in the transport industry, with at least 7 years in Executive Management.
• Strong background as an operational strategist.
• In-depth knowledge of planning, loading, weight distribution, and cargo securing on trucks.
• Experience in Urgent, Express, and Cross-Border Road Freight.
• Exposure to Materials Handling (e.g., forklifts, tie-down methods, Hazchem operations).
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook).
• Experience with in-house systems (e.g., LMS or equivalent).
• Strong English language proficiency.
• Solid understanding of compliance management principles and practices.
• Proven knowledge of investigation processes and procedures.
• Familiarity with learning and development frameworks within an operational environment.
• Strong understanding of local regulatory compliance in transport and logistics.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of health and safety standards.
• Knowledge of security systems and related equipment management.
• Experience in security monitoring and conducting compliance inspections.
• Sound understanding of Total Quality Management methodologies.
• Knowledge and handling experience of dangerous goods regulations.
• Proficient in ensuring internal audit compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage Health and Safety in operational environments.
• Working knowledge of basic Environment, Health and Safety requirements.
• Awareness of corporate Environment, Health and Safety objectives.
• Understanding of Environment, Health and Safety incident reporting protocols.

Responsibilities and expectations but not limited to:
Basic Function:

• Provide strategic planning, leadership, and coordination of all operational business units and departments.
• Support business development, innovation, and financial disciplines through operational leadership.
• Monitor and analyse operational efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and performance across all activities.
• Fulfil fiduciary duties as a Board Member, ensuring sound management and financial stability.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships while driving strategic direction.

Operational Management

• Direct and coordinate overall operational functions of the company.
• Analyse logistics to ensure cost-effective and efficient product and supply transport.
• Manage inbound/outbound logistics, warehouse operations, safety and quality.
• Evaluate financial impact of logistics changes (e.g., routes, volumes, 3rd party carriers).
• Assist in the development and management of operational budgets.
• Contribute to new project proposals and operational planning
• Develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures for operations.
• Foster strong relationships with partners, vendors and distributors.
• Recommend and enforce policies to enhance operations.
• Coordinate cross-departmental business plans and staff execution.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of operational staff.
• Integrate logistics with business systems such as Finance, IT, HR and Business Development.
• Address HR matters related to operations.
• Design and use models to evaluate logistics services.
• Identify and eliminate operational risks.
• Act as liaison between clients and operations teams to maintain long-term relationships.
• Manage projects, strategy, planning, negotiation and innovation development.
• Enforce corrective actions for improved performance and track results.
• Promote team versatility through training and development.
• Oversee operational HR administration.
• Ensure full use of company technology and processes in operations.
• Design and manage the operational MIS and reporting systems.

Management of Business Units and Departments

• Oversee operational output, KPIs, and performance across business units, branches and departments.
• Coordinate group-wide operations for consistency and efficiency.
• Manage budgets and ensure delivery within set parameters.
• Maintain KPIs, SLAs and achieve cost benchmarks.
• Support business development through sourcing of new opportunities.
• Maintain fleet availability to ensure 100% operational readiness.
• Deliver operational statistics via MIS.
• Provide fleet management and advise on vehicle procurement.
• Ensure vehicle safety, security and live tracking.
• Oversee abnormal load transport in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Maintain robust import/export capabilities.
• Ensure full Proof of Delivery capability.
• Maintain strong industry network and role-player relationships.

Customer and Supplier Service

• Manage service level agreements with customers and suppliers.
• Maintain compliance with statutory entities and government-related stakeholders.
• Foster internal communication across branches and divisions.

Human Resources an Industrial Relations

• Manage operations staff and ensure alignment with company expectations.
• Ensure access to policies and procedures for all team members.
• Promote adherence to company code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.

Administration

• Oversee daily operations reporting, KPIs, executive reports and presentations.
• Control and reduce operational expenses through cost-saving initiatives.

Training and Development
Ensure timely staff training, including mandatory and soft skills development.
Customs

• Oversee clearing and forwarding operations ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure the customs department supports business functions effectively.

Environment, Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with OHS and company safety policies.
• Manage safety and security of cargo, equipment and staff.
• Enforce access control and PPE compliance.

Decision-Making
Take appropriate action within delegated authority limits.
Key Performance Indicators
Achieve targets outlined in annual individual KPI goal-setting forms.
Please note should you not receive a response within two weeks of applying you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
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