Cross-Boarder - Fleet Manager at Boardroom Appointments

Purpose of the Role:

• To lead and optimise the performance, compliance, safety, utilisation and profitability of the company's cross-border fleet operations across Southern Africa.

Position Summary:

• The Cross Border Fleet Manager will be responsible for the overall management of fleet performance, cross-border transport execution, driver management, maintenance planning, fuel control, compliance, customer service and operational profitability. The successful candidate must have deep experience in cross-border fleet management, SADC corridors, border processes, driver performance, transport legislation and operational cost control.

Key Accountabilities:

Fleet Operations Management

• Manage the daily performance of the company's cross-border fleet.
• Ensure maximum fleet utilisation, productivity and operational readiness.
• Oversee route planning, scheduling, load execution and delivery performance.
• Monitor fleet performance against agreed operational and financial targets.
• Implement fleet optimisation initiatives to reduce downtime and improve profitability.
• Ensure transport operations are executed safely, efficiently and in line with customer expectations.

Cross-Border Operations

• Manage transport operations across the SADC region and key cross-border corridors.
• Monitor border crossing performance, transit times and route challenges.
• Ensure all transport permits, licences, documentation and country-specific requirements are in place.
• Work closely with clearing, operations and customer service teams to minimise delays.
• Identify recurring operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with customs, border, road transport and regulatory requirements.

Driver and Team Management

• Lead, manage and support drivers, fleet coordinators and related operational staff.
• Monitor driver performance, productivity, behaviour, route discipline and compliance.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability and professional conduct.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, training and disciplinary processes where required.
• Ensure drivers follow company procedures, customer site requirements and road safety standards.

Fleet Maintenance and Asset Management

• Oversee preventative maintenance planning and ensure vehicles are serviced according to schedule.
• Monitor breakdowns, vehicle downtime, repair costs and maintenance trends.
• Coordinate with workshops, service providers and internal teams to ensure vehicle availability.
• Ensure all vehicles, trailers and equipment meet safety and compliance standards.
• Support asset planning and fleet replacement recommendations where required.

Fuel, Cost Control and Profitability

• Monitor fuel consumption, route costs, driver behaviour and operating expenses.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service levels and safety standards.
• Monitor profitability by vehicle, route, customer or corridor where applicable.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial performance reviews.
• Ensure fleet operations contribute positively to company profitability.

Compliance, Safety and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with transport legislation, road traffic regulations and internal company policies.
• Monitor vehicle licences, permits, roadworthiness, insurance and regulatory documentation.
• Promote health, safety, security and environmental compliance across fleet operations.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, delays and service failures, and implement corrective actions.
• Support internal and external audits when required.

Customer Service and Stakeholder Management

• Ensure transport service levels are achieved, and customer expectations are met.
• Work with customer service and commercial teams to resolve operational challenges.
• Provide operational feedback and performance updates to management.
• Support business growth by ensuring reliable, professional and cost-effective fleet operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 10 years' experience managing cross-border transport operations.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior fleet management role.
• Strong knowledge of SADC transport corridors, border operations and route planning.
• Proven experience managing drivers, fleet staff, vehicles, trailers and service providers.
• Strong understanding of transport legislation, permits, vehicle compliance and safety requirements.
• Strong financial understanding of fleet costs, fuel management and fleet profitability.
• Excellent leadership, planning, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's licence.