Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Innovazi Consulting (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovazi Consulting (Pty) Ltd in Gauteng seeks an experienced executive to lead strategy and growth across freight forwarding, logistics, transport, and customs clearing. You will inspire and develop executive teams, drive performance, and align operations with market opportunities.

The role requires 20+ years of industry experience, a commerce/business degree, an executive leadership program, and a track record of improving profitability, risk management, and compliance while delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce/business (NQF level 8) is required.
• Executive leadership programme from a reputable business school is required.
• Postgraduate qualification is advantageous for candidates.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop executive teams, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
• Lead ExCo discussions and ensure strategic outcomes are achieved.
• Use data-driven insights to guide decision-making and growth.
• Set clear objectives and KPIs, conduct quarterly performance reviews, and drive succession planning.
• Promote innovation, research, and development to maintain competitive edge.
• Prioritise customer engagement and retention strategies.
• Co-design and implement sales strategies to acquire ideal customers and support tender processes.
• Monitor KPIs, pricing models, and commission structures to remain competitive.
• Collaborate with operations and product heads to ensure service excellence; drive productivity and profitability.
• Develop new products and bespoke offerings to differentiate in the market.
• Support management of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow; prepare budgets and board packs.
• Monitor yields, margins and expenses, deploying strategies to improve profitability.
• Develop and execute digital strategy; ensure cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.
• Drive automation and technology-enabled growth.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Communication

Risk management

People leadership

Board influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in commerce/business (NQF 8)

Executive leadership programme

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Inspire and develop executive teams, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
• Lead ExCo discussions and ensure strategic outcomes are achieved.
• Use data‑driven insights to guide decision‑making and growth.
• Set clear objectives and KPIs, conduct quarterly performance reviews, and drive succession planning.
• Promote innovation, research, and development to maintain competitive edge.

Customer Retention

• Prioritise customer engagement and retention strategies.
• Conduct regular customer visits and monitor at‑risk accounts.
• Safeguard customer retention structures and elevate customer‑centric culture.

New Business Sales & Marketing

• Co‑design and implement sales strategies to acquire ideal customers.
• Support sales teams in the field and participate in tender processes.
• Monitor KPIs, pricing models, and commission structures to remain competitive.
• Ensure marketing strategies align with brand and industry trends.

Operational Excellence

• Collaborate with operations and product heads to ensure service excellence.
• Secure competitive vendor rates and conduct compliance audits.
• Drive productivity, profitability, and trade lane growth.
• Develop new products and bespoke offerings to differentiate in the market.

Financial Oversight

• Support management of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow.
• Prepare budgets, board packs, and performance reports.
• Monitor yields, margins, and expenses, deploying strategies to improve profitability.

Technology & Innovation

• Develop and execute digital strategy.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.
• Drive automation, AI initiatives, and technology‑enabled growth.

HR, Compliance & Safety

• Support appointments, terminations, and talent development.
• Promote culture, accountability, and recognition.
• Ensure competitive B‑BBEE compliance and adapt to regulatory changes.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce/business (NQF level 8 minimum).
• Executive leadership program from a reputable business school.
• Postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• 20+ years’ experience in freight forwarding, logistics, transport, and customs clearing.
• Proven track record of driving operational excellence and growth.
• Strong financial acumen, risk management, and compliance experience.
• Ability to lead diverse teams, influence at board level, and deliver results.

Competencies

• Fair, firm, and accountable leadership.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic vision.
• Persistent, resilient, and results‑driven.
• Inclusive, empathetic, and able to build high‑performing teams.