Chief Operating Officer - Cargo and Freight Sector at Ellahi Consulting

Main Purpose of the Job

• To manage and drive leading negotiations, budgeting, purchasing, and putting efficient workflows in place to enhance the company's productivity and performance.
• Lead cross-functional teams, manage existing partnerships, and evaluate company business goals to drive operational efficiency, enhance organizational performance, and contribute to the achievement of the business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or Business Management (or equivalent qualification).

Minimum Experience

• At least 10 years in the Transport Industry and a minimum of 5 years’ working experience in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g., supply chain, finance, customer service, etc.).
• Experience in the aviation sector and road freight would be an advantage.
• Managerial experience and demonstrated ability to develop and lead others.

Functional Training
Leadership

• Compliance Management
• Operations Management
• Business Risk Management
• Strategic Business Management
• Financial Systems and Controls

Behavioural Competencies

• Working with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Strong alignment with the company’s mission and values.
• Ability to self-direct, take ownership, and see projects through to completion in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to extract meaning from numbers and present analysis clearly and concisely to people with varying degrees of financial knowledge.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with a track record of developing and strengthening systems and processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively, exercising good judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to periodically participate in meetings and events outside of core business hours.

Technical Skills

• High-level proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Data and financial analytics.
• Cost, revenue, and cash management.
• Knowledge of Basic Conditions of Employment and Industrial Relations.

Environmental / Other Conditions

• After-hours work centered around decision-making is required regularly in response to various operational challenges within the industry.

Organisational Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO and Executive team in setting and driving the organizational vision, including the operational strategy.
• Meet with the organization’s leadership team on an ongoing basis to re-evaluate action plans and adjust for sustainability and growth.
• Develop business strategies and plans aligned with short- and long-term objectives.
• Oversee company operations and employee productivity, fostering a highly inclusive culture.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide coaching and mentorship.
• Monitor progress, evaluate performance, and adjust strategies to ensure successful execution.

Operational Strategy and Management

• Develop and lead operational strategies supporting organizational objectives and growth.
• Coordinate team efforts to align with organizational strategies.
• Lead, streamline, and optimize operational processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive continuous process improvements and implement best practices.
• Foster effective cross-departmental communication and collaboration.
• Review and manage internal systems, controls, and procedures for compliance and accuracy.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize financial results.
• Collaborate with finance to develop and manage operational budgets.
• Control operational expenses considering budget and BEE requirements.

Business Analytics, Risk, and Reporting

• Establish and analyze management reports to support business decisions and growth.
• Monitor the macro-environment for risks and implement mitigating actions.
• Track operational and financial performance, and mitigate risks proactively.
• Implement robust systems to manage risks and ensure continuity.
• Conduct internal reviews for compliance and initiate corrective actions.
• Analyze operations data and address underperformance.
• Review departmental productivity and ensure objectives are met.
• Track direct report deadlines to ensure timely results.

Audits and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Monitor and communicate regulatory updates to the leadership team.
• Develop relevant policy documents in line with legal and compliance requirements.
• Maintain integrity and compliance of regulatory documentation.
• Negotiate and approve supplier agreements and contracts.
• Approve SLAs in consultation with stakeholders, aligning with company strategy.

Customer Service and Retention

• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements with beneficial terms.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships and deliver solutions.
• Conduct client/service provider meetings to identify new opportunities.
• Develop account management strategies for customer retention.
• Lead teams in developing customer service initiatives to expand business.

Talent and Technology

• Partner with CEO and management to foster a culture focused on equity, results, learning, and improvement.
• Continuously assess market technologies to enhance operations, customer service, and safety.