Branch Manager

Tower Group South Africa (PTY) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to oversee operations and ensure growth in the Western Cape. You will lead a team, manage customer relationships, and drive profitability while maintaining operational efficiency. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in shipping and logistics, with proven leadership skills and the ability to handle the complexities of reefer cargo.

Qualifications

• Strong operational expertise in import and export freight management.
• Experience handling reefer cargo and related complexities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the management of the Western Cape branch office.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key importers, exporters, and stakeholders.
• Manage export-booking performance for optimal slot utilization.

Skills

Operational expertise in import and export freight management

Proactive problem-solving skills

Experience handling reefer cargo

Leadership and team management skills

Interpersonal and negotiation skills

Financial management and budgeting

Job description

Primary Objective :

Our client is seeking an experienced, results-driven Branch Manager to oversee operations in the Western Cape. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in shipping and logistics and will be responsible for ensuring the continued growth of the company's brand in the local market. You will lead the team in achieving business objectives, managing key customer relationships, and driving profitability while ensuring operational efficiency and exemplary customer service.

The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills in both commercial and people management, with an entrepreneurial mindset to drive growth and profitability. As the face of the company, the Cape Town branch manager will engage and manage stakeholders internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Leadership :

• Oversee the management of the Western Cape branch office and contribute to the company's strategic direction.
• Differentiate the company from competitors through innovative strategies and superior service delivery.
• Optimize revenue generation and cost efficiency across all operations.

Customer Relationship :

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key importers, exporters, and stakeholders.
• Support sales staff in their activities to ensure seamless customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Conduct regular customer visits and calls, maintaining up-to-date CRM records and reporting.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with reefer customers, understanding their specific needs, including temperature-sensitive logistics and time-critical deliveries.
• Manage CRM records to ensure transparency and accountability in all customer dealings.

Operational Excellence :

• Manage export-booking performance, ensuring optimal slot utilization for laden and empty containers.
• Oversee equipment supply, claims resolution, and vessel operations to maintain high productivity and service standards.
• Support vessel operations and provide operational assistance as needed.

Refrigerated Cargo Responsibilities :

• Serve as the primary contact for reefer customers, ensuring seamless communication and timely resolution of service issues.
• Offer consultative support, sharing best practices for cargo care and industry updates.
• Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling value-added services.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to improve services and maintain competitiveness.
• Stay informed on market trends and competitor activities in reefer shipping, sharing insights with customers.
• Manage key reefer accounts, developing tailored solutions for complex logistical needs.

Team Management :

• Lead and manage branch staff to maximize productivity, ensure legal compliance, and foster a positive work environment.

Marketing and Reporting :

• Oversee marketing, import, export, and operational activities at the branch.
• Prepare and submit performance reports regularly.

Skills and Experience Required :

• Strong operational expertise in import and export freight management.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to align strategies with customer needs.
• Experience handling reefer cargo and related complexities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and CRM skills.
• Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control.