General Manager II at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary    

• We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager to lead and manage our Freight Forwarding and Clearing business unit. The successful candidate will be fully accountable for the performance of the business unit and its delivery against key objectives aligned to the overall strategic intent of the Consumer Division and Unitrans as a whole.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field (Postgraduate qualification is a plus).
• Minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in freight forwarding/logistics, with at least 3- 5 years in a management role.
• Strong understanding of Incoterms, customs documentation, shipping regulations, and global trade compliance.
• Proven experience managing large-scale import/export operations across multiple geographies.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proficient in logistics software and tools.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience working in a large, complex logistics company or multinational environment is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic and operational thinking
• Strong commercial acumen
• Exceptional problem-solving ability
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Team leadership and people development
• Results-driven with attention to detail
• Customer-centric approach
• Resilience in high-pressure environments

Compliance & Industry Standards:

• Familiarity with relevant regulatory bodies and trade protocols (e.g., SARS, SADC, AEO, WCO, ISO standards).
• Ability to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards within freight operations.
• Knowledge of international and regional trade frameworks and customs systems (e.g., ASYCUDA, Single Window platforms).

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute business strategies aligned with the company’s goals and industry trends. Identify growth opportunities and lead negotiations with key stakeholders. Represent the company in high-level engagements with government agencies, trade associations, and regulatory bodies
• Deliver Operational Excellence: Structure a team that supports the intended strategic growth and oversee the complete freight forwarding process for air, sea, road, and rail shipments, including origin management, booking, tracking, customs clearance, and final delivery, ensuring efficiency and alignment with client expectations.
• Client Service & Relationship Management: Serve as the escalation point for key client accounts. Build and maintain strong relationships by understanding their needs and delivering tailored logistics solutions that meet service level agreements (SLAs).
• Carrier and Supplier Management: Lead negotiations and maintain commercial relationships with carriers, shipping lines, airlines, transporters, and clearing agents. Monitor vendor performance to ensure service excellence, cost competitiveness, and compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with international trade regulations, customs procedures, import/export laws, and environmental regulations. Keep abreast of changes in legislation and ensure team adherence to all relevant standards and laws.
• Documentation & Customs: Oversee accurate and timely preparation and submission of shipping and customs documentation (e.g., Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, SAD 500, EUR1, Certificates of Origin). Ensure correct tariff classification and application of duties/taxes.
• Cost Management & Optimization: Analyse freight costs, identify inefficiencies, and drive continuous cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining service quality. Implement freight consolidation strategies where applicable to optimize loads and reduce spend.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks. Investigate and manage claims for loss, damage, or delays, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Technology & Systems Management: Leverage freight forwarding and transport management systems (TMS) to track shipments, generate reports, and provide clients with real-time updates. Support implementation and continuous improvement of digital platforms.
• KPI Monitoring & Reporting: Define, monitor, and report on operational KPIs such as on-time delivery, dwell time, cost per shipment, freight spend per client, and customs clearance times. Present performance reports to senior leadership with actionable insights.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of freight coordinators, managerial, and administrative staff. Set objectives, conduct performance appraisals, and ensure continuous skills development within the team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with warehousing, finance, procurement, sales, and IT departments to ensure smooth integration of freight operations into broader supply chain strategies.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Promote and implement greener logistics practices where possible, such as modal shifts or low-emission carriers. Stay ahead of logistics trends and innovations to drive competitive advantage.