General Manager – Terminal Operations and Business Head -JHB at Talented Recruitment Specialists

• Here’s your opportunity to take the next big step in your career and make your mark in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania! We’re looking for an entrepreneurial General Manager – Terminal Operations & Business Head to lead business growth, drive operational excellence, build strategic client relationships and take full ownership of business performance.

Key responsibilities:
Overall Business Leadership & P&L Accountability:

• Take full ownership of the business unit's overall Profit & Loss (P&L), revenue growth, cost optimization and profitability.
• Develop and execute annual business plans, budgets, operational strategies and financial targets.
• Drive sustainable growth in revenue, EBITDA, operating margins and return on assets.
• Identify commercial opportunities, improve capacity utilization and maximize terminal profitability.
• Monitor financial performance, operating costs, receivables and working capital efficiency.
• Ensure the business remains competitive, financially disciplined and commercially successful.
• Terminal Operations & Performance Management:

Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across multiple ICD and CFS terminal facilities.

• Oversee the end-to-end handling of bulk, breakbulk and containerized import/export cargo.
• Ensure efficient cargo receiving, unloading, storage, inventory management, bagging, stuffing, loading and dispatch operations.
• Optimize terminal productivity, equipment utilization, manpower deployment and cargo turnaround times.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, service quality standards and cost-efficiency measures.
• Ensure proper maintenance, availability and productivity of all terminal equipment and infrastructure.
• Maintain high standards of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), regulatory compliance and cargo integrity.

Commercial Development & Client Relationship Management:

• Lead relationships with key international and regional clients, including mining companies, commodity traders, shipping lines, freight forwarders and logistics service providers.
• Take ownership of major client contracts, commercial negotiations, service commitments and customer satisfaction.
• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities to increase cargo volumes and market share.
• Build long-term strategic partnerships and strengthen AILL's competitive positioning.
• Personally engage with key customers to resolve critical operational or commercial matters.
• Ensure effective coordination between commercial commitments and operational execution.

Strategic Alignment & Business Expansion:

• Align terminal operations, commercial initiatives and financial performance with the broader strategic objectives of the Group.
• Identify opportunities for capacity expansion, new terminal developments, operational improvements and business diversification.
• Prepare strategic proposals, business cases, investment evaluations and performance improvement plans.
• Work closely with Group Management on business planning, capital expenditure, growth initiatives and organizational development.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, technology adoption and operational transformation.

Organizational Leadership & People Management:

• Provide decisive leadership and overall management of the terminal organization.
• Lead, mentor and hold accountable the Operations, Commercial, Finance, Maintenance, Administration, HSSE and other supporting teams.
• Establish clear responsibilities, reporting structures, performance targets and management accountability.
• Build a strong culture of ownership, discipline, teamwork, productivity and results.
• Develop capable second-line management and ensure effective succession planning.
• Resolve operational challenges proactively while maintaining high employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Governance, Compliance & Stakeholder Management:

• Ensure compliance with applicable customs, port, transport, environmental, labour and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain effective relationships with relevant regulatory authorities, port operators, shipping agents and logistics stakeholders.
• Ensure contractual compliance, robust internal controls and effective risk management.
• Provide accurate, timely and transparent operational and financial reporting to Group Management.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance or a related discipline.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership or general management.
• Proven experience in managing ICDs, CFS facilities, port terminals, bulk cargo handling, container terminals or integrated logistics businesses.
• Demonstrated experience managing a full business unit with direct P&L accountability.
• Strong understanding of terminal operations, cargo handling systems, commercial contracting and logistics economics.
• Experience managing large operational teams, multiple facilities and high-value customer accounts.
• Exposure to East African logistics markets, international commodity trading and transit cargo corridors will be a significant advantage.
• Business Ownership: Ability to operate as an accountable business leader rather than solely an operations manager.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of pricing, revenue development, cost structures and profitability.
• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to deliver high-volume cargo handling operations efficiently and safely.
• Strategic Thinking: Capability to translate Group objectives into measurable business results.
• Leadership & Accountability: Ability to independently lead multidisciplinary teams and take ownership of outcomes.
• Client Orientation: Strong negotiation, relationship management and problem-solving capabilities.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make timely, commercially sound decisions in a demanding operational environment.
• Performance-Driven Mindset: Strong commitment to delivering measurable financial, commercial and operational improvements.