Assistant Manager Operations-Cargo & Transportation
Job Title
Assistant Manager – Cargo and Transport Operations
Role Objective
To maintain operational excellence across 40+ branch locations. You will be responsible for the "on-time, every-time" movement of cargo, managing the delicate balance between high service levels and low operational costs. This role requires a leader who is as comfortable analyzing a KPI dashboard as they are standing on a loading dock at midnight.
Key Responsibilities
-
Network & Branch Coordination
- Manage operations across multiple branches to ensure seamless cargo handovers.
- Conduct regular branch visits (approx. 40‑50% travel) to audit physical processes and mentor branch staff.
- Act as the bridge between the MD’s office and branch-level execution.
-
Delivery & Route Optimization
- Ensure 100% adherence to route schedules and delivery timelines (TAT - Turnaround Time).
- Identify bottlenecks in current routes and propose cost‑effective alternatives.
- Manage end‑to‑end "First Mile to Last Mile" flow to minimize idle time.
- Own and report on branch‑level metrics: Vehicle Utilization, Loading Efficiency, On‑Time Delivery (OTD), and Damage/Shortage ratios.
- Implement corrective actions when a branch falls below the established performance baseline.
- Manage operational budgets; identify and eliminate "leakage" (fuel theft, unnecessary detention charges, etc.).
- Vendor Development: Identify, vet, and onboard new fleet and delivery partners to ensure capacity during peak seasons.
- Negotiate rates with vendors to maintain healthy margins.
Desired Skills & Competencies
- Operational Grit: Ability to handle high‑pressure situations, such as vehicle breakdowns or labor issues, without losing focus on the daily targets.
- Vendor Negotiation: Strong commercial acumen to handle transporters and local delivery partners.
- Team Leadership: Proven track record of managing field staff across geographically dispersed locations.
- Analytical Mindset: Basic proficiency in Excel/ERP reporting to understand cost‑per‑kg and route profitability.