Branch Manager

Avatar Advisory; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Avatar Advisory is seeking a Branch Manager in Polokwane, South Africa. This role involves overseeing operations, managing financial performance, and leading a high-performing team. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in logistics, with strong knowledge of transport operations and regulations. The position includes a focus on customer service excellence and compliance. A diploma or degree in a related field is required, along with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in freight/logistics, including 3-4 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of transport operations, fleet management, and warehousing.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Knowledge of South African transport and labour regulations.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily branch operations including transport, warehousing, and distribution.
• Ensure on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery performance.
• Drive branch revenue growth and profitability.
• Lead, coach, and develop branch staff.
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations and company policies.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving and decision-making

Customer focus

Operational planning and execution

Strong communication and stakeholder management

Education

Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Job description

Role Purpose

The Branch Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operations, commercial performance, and customer service delivery of the branch. The role ensures efficient freight movement, cost control, revenue growth, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards while leading a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee daily branch operations including transport, warehousing, and distribution
• Ensure on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery performance
• Manage fleet utilization, route planning, and load optimization
• Monitor service levels and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Drive branch revenue growth and profitability
• Manage branch P&L, budgets, and cost controls
• Identify new business opportunities and support client acquisition
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and partners
• Monitor pricing, margins, and operational costs

Customer Service Excellence

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention
• Resolve escalated customer issues and service failures
• Implement service improvement plans based on feedback
• Maintain SLA performance for key accounts

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop branch staff (operations, drivers, admin)
• Manage workforce planning, performance reviews, and training
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and labour regulations

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with transport regulations and company policies
• Manage risks related to fleet, cargo, and operations
• Oversee vehicle licensing, maintenance, and inspections
• Ensure adherence to road safety and driver standards

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers
• Coordinate with head office functions (finance, HR, operations)
• Engage with local authorities and regulatory bodies when required

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Branch revenue and profit margins
• On-time delivery (OTIF) performance
• Cost per delivery / cost per km
• Customer satisfaction (CSAT) and retention
• Fleet utilization and downtime
• Safety incidents and compliance levels
• Employee productivity and engagement

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in freight/logistics, with at least 3 -4years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of transport operations, fleet management, and warehousing
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance
• Knowledge of South African transport and labour regulations
• Valid driver’s license

Key Competencies

• Leadership and people management
• Commercial acumen
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Customer focus
• Operational planning and execution
• Strong communication and stakeholder management

Preferred Experience

• Experience in FMCG, mining logistics, or distribution environments
• Exposure to TMS (Transport Management Systems) and logistics tech
• Experience managing remote or regional operations