Chief Operating Officer

Atrax Logistics; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead operations and drive growth in logistics across Africa. This executive role demands a seasoned leader with a proven track record in scaling operations and revenue in the freight forwarding sector. You will oversee multi-modal operations, mentor senior managers, and ensure compliance while fostering a culture of innovation. Join a dynamic team that values excellence, teamwork, and service, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of logistics in a rapidly expanding market.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Performance-based incentives

Global exposure

Growth opportunities

Dynamic company culture

Qualifications

• 8+ years in leadership roles within logistics or freight forwarding.
• Deep understanding of African and global freight networks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end freight forwarding operations for efficiency and compliance.
• Drive sales strategy and manage key client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Negotiation

Commercial Acumen

Operational Expertise

Education

Bachelor's Degree

MBA or Similar

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Atrax Logistics (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Atrax Logistics, a leading boutique freight forwarding and logistics provider with nearly 30 years of success, is seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive our next phase of growth.

This executive role, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, comes with full P&L ownership, strategic oversight of multi-modal operations, and day-to-day leadership of a dynamic team.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will be a key force in shaping Atrax's strategy and ensuring operational excellence across Africa and international markets.

We are looking for a seasoned leader with a proven track record of scaling operations and revenue in the freight forwarding / logistics industry.

Company Overview

Atrax Logistics SA was founded in [year missing] and has grown into a trusted name in logistics, offering air, sea, and road freight services to over + hubs worldwide.

We combine decades of industry expertise with a young, energetic team and a "client-first" philosophy.

Our culture is dynamic, innovative, and fun – we run a sleek and professional operation infused with energy and passion.

Headquartered in Johannesburg with a strong African footprint, Atrax is expanding globally while treating customers and partners like part of the family.

This is the environment you'll join – one that values excellence, teamwork, and service at its core.

Role Overview

As COO, you will be the driving force behind Atrax's operations and commercial strategy.

You will oversee end-to-end freight forwarding activities (air, ocean, road, and cross-border), ensuring efficiency, compliance, and profitability in every segment of the business.

Your leadership scope spans all departments – from operations and sales to customer service and finance – with the mandate to optimize processes, drive sustainable growth, and deliver outstanding service.

In this role, you will translate high-level strategy into day-to-day execution, mentor senior managers, and cultivate an environment of accountability and innovation.

This is a hands-on executive position with significant impact across African and international markets, suitable for a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing teams: Build, inspire, and nurture operational and commercial teams to achieve outstanding results and professional growth.
• Mentor department managers: Support and guide department heads (Operations, Sales, Customer Service, etc.), fostering cross-functional collaboration and a culture of excellence.
• Oversee end-to-end operations: Direct all freight forwarding processes (air, sea, road, and cross-border) ensuring efficient, compliant, and seamless operations from origin to destination.
• Drive sales strategy and growth: Work closely with the sales division to develop and execute strategies that boost revenue, including identifying and capturing new market opportunities across Africa and internationally.
• Manage key client relationships: Oversee high-value accounts and client engagements, ensuring service excellence, customer satisfaction, and long-term partnership retention.
• Negotiate with suppliers and carriers: Lead negotiations with shipping lines, airlines, trucking partners, and other suppliers to secure competitive rates and enforce performance standards.
• Ensure compliance and performance: Uphold strict adherence to regulatory compliance requirements and internal financial / operational KPIs.
• Monitor budgets and financial metrics, taking corrective actions to meet profit targets.
• Champion innovation and efficiency: Steer continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization across all departments, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance productivity and scalability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a senior professional who possesses:

• Proven leadership experience: Minimum 8 years of leadership experience in the freight forwarding or logistics industry, with a track record of driving sustainable growth in a company of similar or larger size.
• Deep industry knowledge: Extensive understanding of logistics and freight forwarding operations, including the South African market, broader African trade lanes, and global freight networks.
• Strong leadership & communication skills: A confident leader and communicator who can inspire teams, build consensus, and clearly convey strategy and objectives across all levels of the organization.
• Influence and negotiation ability: Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at all levels – from frontline staff to C-suite, clients, and external partners.
• Commercial and sales acumen: Hands-on experience in customer acquisition, account management, and strategic sales planning. You understand the sales cycle and have successfully driven revenue growth and customer retention.
• Operational expertise with a strategic mindset: A commercial mindset and deep operational know-how – capable of diving into day-to-day logistics processes while maintaining focus on strategic business objectives.
• High integrity and results focus: Strong sense of accountability, data-driven decision making, and commitment to meeting targets.

Company Culture & Benefits

At Atrax Logistics, we offer an executive role with meaningful rewards and an environment where you can thrive:

• High-impact leadership: The opportunity to shape the strategy and growth of a thriving logistics company with influence across Africa and international markets.
• Dynamic company culture: A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture that blends nearly 30 years of industry excellence with a youthful spirit.
• We value teamwork, initiative, and a bit of fun – we celebrate our wins and learn from our challenges together.
• Competitive compensation: A competitive executive remuneration package, including performance-based incentives and benefits commensurate with the seniority of the role.
• Details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
• Growth and autonomy: The autonomy to implement your vision and drive change, supported by a passionate executive team.
• Atrax is in an expansion phase, offering future growth opportunities and the chance to leave your mark on a growing organization.
• Global exposure: Engage with a broad network of international partners and clients. Expect some travel and frequent interaction with global logistics networks, giving you broad exposure beyond South Africa.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on a pivotal COO role and lead a fast-growing logistics provider to new heights, we want to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience to:

• [email address missing]

with the subject line "COO Application – (Your Name)". Join Atrax Logistics and help us drive innovation, growth, and excellence in logistics across Africa and the world.

We look forward to welcoming a dynamic leader who is ready to make a lasting impact on our journey!