General Manager Transport at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary    

• Unitrans is the leading provider of end-to-end logistics and supply chain solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our business model, rooted in design, implementation, and ongoing service, empowers our customers to focus on growing their core operations, while we handle the rest.
• Through our constant pursuit to offer tailored and innovative solutions combined with our commitment to long-term collaboration, we’ve established a strong market presence across multiple sectors and industries in the region spanning countries like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
• Even after 100 years, Unitrans remains steadfast in our vision of helping our customers to unlock Africa’s commercial potential and leaving a positive and enduring impact on the region’s economic and social development by driving progress and growth.
• A role has recently come available within this fast moving and highly energetic environment. Should this be of interest to you we welcome your application.
• The General Manager role in the Transport business unit typically oversees the daily operations of transportation services, both linehaul and local, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery of goods and services.

Minimum Requirements    

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A post graduate business qualification will be beneficial.

Experience:

• At least 7-10 years of experience in transportation management, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic planning.
• Experience in managing large teams and complex transportation operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial performance.
• Strong technical knowledge relating to capital deployment in transport operations.
• A track record in the Road Freight Transport and Logistics industry will be an added advantage.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of transportation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and address operational challenges.
• Proficiency in transportation management systems (TMS) and other relevant software.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Profitable Revenue Generation
• Ensure that both revenue and profit growth targets are met with solid collaboration between business development and transport teams.
• Grow revenue pipeline to scalable continuity and ensure current investments and pipeline investments deliver on internal financial hurdles.
• Developing and implementing transportation strategies to drive business growth and improve efficiency through network optimisation.
• Develop long-term transportation strategies to drive business growth and ensure operational efficiency.
• Conduct market analysis and forecasting to identify new business opportunities and potential challenges.
• Overseeing transportation operations, including route planning, vehicle maintenance, and driver management (including owner driver network and third-party subcontractors).
• Oversee daily transportation operations, including vehicle maintenance, route planning, and scheduling.
• Ensure that all transportation activities comply with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational performance across multiple customers.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, health and safety standards, and company policies.
• Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including health and safety standards.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure operational integrity.
• Leading and managing a team of transportation professionals, providing guidance, training, and development opportunities.
• Lead and manage a team of transportation professionals, including drivers, dispatchers, contract supervisors and contract managers.
• Provide guidance, training, and development opportunities to enhance team performance and productivity.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Authorising of Purchase Orders, Leave and Operational anomalies.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, at an operational level within the value chain as well as across the support structures including human resources, finance, technical and health and safety.
• Utilising technologies to identify trends, optimize routes, balance networks, and improve efficiency.
• Stay updated on the latest transportation technologies and trends to improve operational efficiency.
• Implement and manage transportation management systems (TMS) and other relevant software.
• Explore innovative solutions to enhance transportation processes and reduce environmental impact.
• Embed and monitor ERS system and the optimal usage thereof across all contracts.
• Monitor Fuel expenditure of contract and active use of Fuel Science.
• Developing and managing budgets for transportation operations, ensuring cost-effective solutions aligned to costed and budgeted parameters.
• Develop and manage budgets for transportation operations, ensuring cost-effective solutions and optimizing resource allocation.
• Monitor and control expenses to meet financial targets.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, vendors, and service providers.

Customer Relations:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and efficient delivery of goods and services.
• Address and resolve customer inquiries and complaints related to transportation services.
• Maintain strong relationships with key clients and partners to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Customer engagement strategy delivered and executed.