Head of Land Transport at DB Schenker

 Duties and Responsibilities: 

• To identify and Initiate contact with potential new customers with a view to securing new Land Transport business for long term (both LTL & FTL).
• Study the market and analyze developments to make required changes in strategy as and when required.
• Increase our market share in Land Transport sector and establish Schenker as a recognized brand in Land Transportation offering solutions for varied movement types associated.
• Handle RFI’s & RFQ’s   and respond within deadline dates stipulated.
• Offer solution and rates based on sub-contractors, where applicable, with 25% mark up over and above sub-contractors’ rates.
• Arrange Land Transport Contracts, in the event of Business award confirmation.
• Share & follow Transport contract timelines and schedules with Schenker LT team based on Contractual agreement and approved rates.
• Connect Client/Customer with Schenker LT team for Further Business/Operation alignment including creation and implementation of SOP’s.
• Ensure proper process, truck/driver arrangements (including validity of driver license/truck registration/truck worthiness/load capacity/lashing/cleanliness), documentation, reporting schedules, POD submissions are fulfilled and maintained (to levels and timelines in case of contractual agreements).
• Perform KPI evaluation and implement remedial measures, if KPI’s are divergent.
• Ensure LT team maintains proper record of files/supporting’s/filing system for easy retrieval.
• Ensure timely invoicing / timely invoice dispatch / timely finance related reconciliation is done.
• Ensure Schenker Quality / Health & Safety / Environment guidelines are read periodically, understood and implemented in day-to-day work routines.  
• Ensure Schenker Ethics policy is understood and practiced.

Customer Relationship:

• To build up a relationship with key clients both existing and potential.
• Ensure internal coordination with LT team members and also where applicable with Managers of other departments (keep them advised of specific client requirements and ensure communication of the same from time to time with the objective of providing second to none service to the customers).
• Manage all QBR/MBR.

Credit Control:

• Ensure all outstanding payments are collected within approved credit limits.
• Coordinate disputed payments with Finance and Operations for their resolution and collection.
• Follow the credit application procedure and communicate Schenker’s credit policy to customers.

Internal coordination:

• Build up relationship with internal Schenker departments and create synergies to ensure customer requirements are delivered/met as per agreement.
• Coordinate with overseas office on specific business or client requirements.
• Conduct weekly meetings with LT team.
• Provide/Receive necessary monthly reports to Finance / Quality teams.

Monthly Reporting:

• Provide monthly reports of KPI maintained.
• Take up any specific tasks given relating to customer operations from time to time.

Drive Compliance:

• Compliance is important in Land transportation, as carelessness in following regulations may compromise safety. Head of Land Transport must establish compliance of all services with customs and road transport regulations. In addition, must address safety concerns and customer complaints promptly.

Recruit and Train Employees:

• Head of Land Transport must work closely with P&O to attract and recruit employees within the BU. After hiring, must provide training, development and support employees’ career path for development.
•  Ensure employees’ certification in the industry are stay updated with the industry

Knowledge: 

• Head of Land Transport is proactive and agile, taking swift action to effectively execute projects. Drawing from long-term experience in the Land transportation industry, take charge with a vision in mind while using problem-solving skills to develop solutions. 

Employers frequently look for the following:

• Country / Sales & Ops structure of the branches (South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique).    
• Market knowledge relating to Land transport / border clearances / document requirements / vehicle type / load factors / safety flag points.
• Knowledge of pricing procedure and desk involved for all kinds of business including Tender/RFQ’s. 
• Customs documentation.
• Import and Export Customs requirements and rules.
• Knowledge of Local Market Service Requirements.
• Knowledge of cross border documentation / Customs rules and regulations / duty & taxes / special approvals & special documentations.
• Knowledge of subcontractors / vehicle types of availability / load factors.
• Leadership: set the direction for the entire department, providing guidance and mentorship to employees, and taking responsibility for overall performance.
• Transportation expertise: experts in their field, knowledgeable about industry trends, supply chain processes, best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Organizational: drive projects from start to finish and assign responsibilities, keeping track of several processes at once and making sure that deadlines are met.
• Communication: must be excellent, well-rounded communicators adept at making presentations, facilitating meetings, negotiating contracts, and holding one-on-one conversations
• Data analysis: to identify project strengths and weaknesses and should be able to synthesize data from multiple sources and distill their findings into action steps for improvement.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Management, Transport, Supply Chain, or a related field. 
• Minimum of ten years of experience in a management position, preferably with a specialization in land transportation.
• A graduate degree - MBA is an advantage.