Chief Operating Officer

Switch Recruit; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics firm is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of experience in freight forwarding and logistics, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record of scaling businesses. This role requires strong financial acumen and a hands-on approach to leadership. The COO will be responsible for leading a high-performing team, enhancing customer relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• 20+ years experience in international freight forwarding, logistics, contract logistics, transport and customs clearing.
• Proven track record of transforming and scaling businesses sustainably.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience, vision and a hands-on leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing executive team.
• Oversee air and sea freight operations ensuring service excellence.
• Engage directly with key clients to drive customer obsession.
• Support new business sales and customer acquisition strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Financial acumen

Customer engagement

Data-driven insights

Education

Bachelors degree in Commerce / Business

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

This pivotal role offers the opportunity to take a business with a strong legacy and accelerate its journey from good to great. The COO will translate business strategy into action, lead a diverse portfolio of operations and ensure the organisation achieves sustainable growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing executive team, cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee air and sea freight, customs clearing, contract logistics, transport, pharma logistics, and trade lanes - ensuring service excellence and customer retention.
• Drive customer obsession by engaging directly with key clients, safeguarding retention structures and ensuring long-term loyalty.
• Actively support the new business sales function through customer acquisition strategies, field involvement, tender participation and innovative pricing models.
• Champion the use of data-driven insights, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence to drive automation, innovation and competitive advantage.
• Conduct regular operational assessments across business units to ensure compliance, efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, including the Customs Act, risk management frameworks and B-BBEE standards.
• Develop and execute financial strategies in collaboration with the CFO, ensuring profitability, yield optimisation and cost control.
• Partner with the marketing function to enhance brand visibility and ensure relevant, industry-leading campaigns.
• Foster strong stakeholder relationships with customers, global partners, suppliers, bankers and shareholders to maximise business opportunities.
• Support talent management, succession planning and staff recognition programmes to sustain a people-centric and high-performance culture.
• Prepare and present detailed performance reports and strategies at Board and AGM level, ensuring alignment with long-term growth objectives.
• Proactively identify and develop new product opportunities and market innovations to expand service offerings and distinguish the group in the industry.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Commerce / Business (NQF level 8), postgraduate qualification or executive leadership program is advantageous.
• 20+ years experience in international freight forwarding, logistics, contract logistics, transport and customs clearing.
• Proven track record of transforming and scaling businesses sustainably.
• Strong financial acumen : yield management, pricing, cost control and profitability.
• Exceptional leadership, board-level communication and negotiation skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience, vision and a hands-on leadership style.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally as business needs dictate.