Chief Operating Officer - Cargo And Freight Sector

Ellahi Consulting; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to manage negotiations, budgeting, and enhance productivity. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in the transport industry and a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role. The position offers a monthly salary of R 100 000 – 120 000, plus benefits such as a fuel card and cellphone.

Benefits

Fuel card

Cellphone

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years in the Transport Industry.
• 5+ years in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Manage negotiations and budgeting to enhance productivity.
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
• Drive operational efficiency across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Financial management

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or Business Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data analytics software

Job description

Chief Operating Officer
Industry: Freight/ Cargo - EE Employment Equity position
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng

CTC Salary: R 100 000 – 120 000 pm Plus benefits
Benefits: Fuel card + Cellphone

Main Purpose of the Job

To manage and drive leading negotiations, budgeting, purchasing, and putting efficient workflows in place to enhance the company's productivity and performance.
Lead cross-functional teams, manage existing partnerships, and evaluate company business goals to drive operational efficiency, enhance organizational performance, and contribute to the achievement of the business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or Business Management (or equivalent qualification).

Minimum Experience

• At least 10 years in the Transport Industry and a minimum of 5 years’ working experience in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g., supply chain, finance, customer service, etc.).
• Experience in the aviation sector and road freight would be an advantage.
• Managerial experience and demonstrated ability to develop and lead others.

Functional Training

• Leadership
• Compliance Management
• Operations Management
• Business Risk Management
• Strategic Business Management
• Financial Systems and Controls

Behavioural Competencies

• Working with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Strong alignment with the company’s mission and values.
• Ability to self-direct, take ownership, and see projects through to completion in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to extract meaning from numbers and present analysis clearly and concisely to people with varying degrees of financial knowledge.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with a track record of developing and strengthening systems and processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively, exercising good judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to periodically participate in meetings and events outside of core business hours.

Technical Skills

• High-level proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Data and financial analytics.
• Cost, revenue, and cash management.
• Knowledge of Basic Conditions of Employment and Industrial Relations.

Environmental / Other Conditions

• After-hours work centered around decision-making is required regularly in response to various operational challenges within the industry.

Organisational Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO and Executive team in setting and driving the organizational vision, including the operational strategy.
• Meet with the organization’s leadership team on an ongoing basis to re-evaluate action plans and adjust for sustainability and growth.
• Develop business strategies and plans aligned with short- and long-term objectives.
• Oversee company operations and employee productivity, fostering a highly inclusive culture.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide coaching and mentorship.
• Monitor progress, evaluate performance, and adjust strategies to ensure successful execution.

Operational Strategy and Management

• Develop and lead operational strategies supporting organizational objectives and growth.
• Coordinate team efforts to align with organizational strategies.
• Lead, streamline, and optimize operational processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive continuous process improvements and implement best practices.
• Foster effective cross-departmental communication and collaboration.
• Review and manage internal systems, controls, and procedures for compliance and accuracy.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize financial results.
• Collaborate with finance to develop and manage operational budgets.
• Control operational expenses considering budget and BEE requirements.

Business Analytics, Risk, and Reporting

• Establish and analyze management reports to support business decisions and growth.
• Monitor the macro-environment for risks and implement mitigating actions.
• Track operational and financial performance, and mitigate risks proactively.
• Implement robust systems to manage risks and ensure continuity.
• Conduct internal reviews for compliance and initiate corrective actions.
• Analyze operations data and address underperformance.
• Review departmental productivity and ensure objectives are met.
• Track direct report deadlines to ensure timely results.

Audits and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Monitor and communicate regulatory updates to the leadership team.
• Develop relevant policy documents in line with legal and compliance requirements.
• Maintain integrity and compliance of regulatory documentation.
• Negotiate and approve supplier agreements and contracts.
• Approve SLAs in consultation with stakeholders, aligning with company strategy.

Customer Service and Retention

• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements with beneficial terms.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships and deliver solutions.
• Conduct client/service provider meetings to identify new opportunities.
• Develop account management strategies for customer retention.
• Lead teams in developing customer service initiatives to expand business.

Talent and Technology

• Partner with CEO and management to foster a culture focused on equity, results, learning, and improvement.
• Continuously assess market technologies to enhance operations, customer service, and safety.