Chief Operating Officer Commodity Freight Forwarding

Helen Wilson Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 2 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment firm is seeking a COO to lead operational excellence and drive business growth in Johannesburg, with travel to Durban. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of senior operations leadership experience in logistics or freight forwarding, a relevant bachelor's degree, and proven expertise in global supply chain management. This role will focus on optimizing operations, enhancing client relationships, and developing strategies for market expansion. Competitive salary of 2.5 million is negotiable.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in senior operations leadership in logistics, freight forwarding or maritime industries.
• Experience in expanding business operations across multiple geographies in Africa is required.
• Proven expertise in global supply chain management, international trade, and shipping operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all operational functions at the company.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with key global and regional clients.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company’s long-term business goals.
• Drive business expansion initiatives into new markets and sectors.
• Optimize logistics infrastructure to support scalable operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking & problem-solving

Strong leadership & people management

Financial acumen

Data-driven decision-making

Stakeholder engagement & negotiation

Knowledge of African logistics & trade

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Sal 2,5 million negotiable

About Company

A prominent, globally recognized freight forwarding company specializing in tailored supply chain solutions, logistics, warehousing, and ship agency services. With a solid presence throughout Africa and worldwide, the company is renowned for providing high-quality logistics services customized to meet client needs.

Location

Johannesburg with travel to Durban

Reports To

Managing Director

Job Purpose

The COO will oversee and optimize all operational functions and at the company, ensuring alignment with business objectives and driving efficiency across supply chain, warehousing, freight forwarding, and ship agency operations. This role will focus on developing commercial relationships and scaling operations, enhancing service delivery, and boosting profitability through strategic leadership and execution.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field highly preferred
• 10+ years of experience in senior operations leadership, in logistics, freight forwarding, or maritime industries in bulk and containerised hard commodities (pref mining and minerals)
• Proven expertise in global supply chain management, international trade, and shipping operations.

• Experience in expanding business operations across multiple geographies in Africa is required

Key Responsibilities

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain and enhance relationships with key global and regional clients, port authorities, and supply chain partners
• Develop customer‑centric strategies to improve service delivery and retention.
• Represent company at industry forums, regulatory meetings, and strategic business negotiations.

1 Strategic Leadership & Commercial Business Growth

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company’s long-term business goals.
• Drive business expansion initiatives into new markets, sectors, and service offerings
• Optimize logistics infrastructure to support scalable and efficient operations across Africa and globally.
• Identify mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures to strengthen company’s market position.

Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Optimization

• Oversee and enhance end‑to‑end logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain processes for maximum efficiency.
• Leverage data analytics and technology to improve visibility, tracking, and operational performance
• Ensure seamless integration of warehousing, transportation, and shipping operations to meet client demands.
• Manage risk mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity and compliance

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead a high-performance operations team, ensuring strong leadership at all levels.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration between sales, finance, and customer service teams.

Financial & Performance Management

• Drive profitability and cost‑efficiency across operations while maintaining service excellence.
• Oversee operational budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with logistics regulations, customs requirements, and international shipping laws

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking & problem‑solving – ability to develop and implement long‑term operational strategies.
• Strong leadership & people management – proven experience leading and mentoring large teams.
• Financial acumen – ability to manage operational budgets, cost structures, and drive profitability.
• Data‑driven decision‑making – proficiency in logistics software, analytics tools, and ERP systems.
• Stakeholder engagement & negotiation – strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of African logistics & trade

If you have not received any feedback from us within 5 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.

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