Client Services Manager

Level-Up; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in logistics is seeking a Client Services Manager in Johannesburg. This permanent role involves driving cost efficiencies, managing client relationships, and leading a team to ensure operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in supply chain management, strong analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in supply chain or logistics.
• Experience in a logistics company preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office and project management.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Track financial performance and ensure account profitability.
• Manage individual performance and foster team culture.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Teamwork

Leadership

Communication

Education

B Eng Industrial or B Com Logistics

Tools

MS PowerPoint

MS Word

MS Excel

SQL

Job description

The Client Services Manager will join a dedicated team based at the clients offices to implement an LLP solution with control tower capabilities. This role drives efficient tactical planning of road logistics aligned with rail availability and capacity, targeting cost reductions and operational efficiencies. The manager will identify savings opportunities, execute initiatives, and track financial outcomes, including baseline, savings, and gainshare realization.

Key Performance Areas

Commercial

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives to reduce the clients cost baseline.
• Track financial performance, including baseline, savings, and gainshare metrics.
• Ensure account profitability, conducting root cause analysis for variances.
• Prepare budgets, quarterly forecasts, and monthly revenue projections.
• Control costs in alignment with client operational needs.
• Review client invoicing and manage debtor collections monthly.
• Oversee account administration, including report creation, updates, and communication.
• Drive gainshare agreements with stakeholders.

Client Relationship Management

• Understand the clients business to identify value-adding opportunities across the supply chain.
• Develop tailored strategies with the client to meet specific needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key client decision-makers and internal stakeholders through regular engagement.
• Foster trust and cooperation at all levels within the clients organization.
• Advocate for the clients needs within the company.

People Management

• Collaborate on staffing the business unit and retaining key talent.
• Manage individual performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Build a motivated, professional team culture aligned with service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Maintain strong relationships with clients and employees to exceed expectations.

Performance Management

• Deliver exceptional business results through a balanced scorecard, focusing on profitability, people development, client relationships, supplier management, and internal processes.

Reporting

• Create, update, and communicate accurate, timely reports with operational and financial analysis, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Ensure high-quality subordinate reports and detailed operational performance reports by functional area, including continuous improvement updates.
• Prepare and present reports at Steering Committee (Steerco) level.

Quality Management

• Document and manage systems and controls to meet operational requirements.
• Oversee business processes to ensure accurate system use and effective fleet management (dedicated and ad hoc) to meet client standards.
• Build relationships with the technology support team.

Administration

• Ensure timely and accurate personnel administration.
• Review processes for regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Ensure operations comply with environmental and occupational health and safety standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and agree on supply chain optimization projects with targeted savings schedules.
• Implement projects and provide weekly savings reports.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture among teams and managers.
• Secure client approval for baselines to facilitate savings recognition.

Ad Hoc Responsibilities

• Conduct ad hoc analysis, respond to queries, and provide business support.
• Projects:
• Identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage projects to completion.
• General:
• Collaborate with operations, contact center personnel, clients, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
• Tasks (project/responsibility dependent):
• Data analysis
• Simulation modeling
• What-if transport modeling
• Business case development
• Project planning and execution
• Process change implementation
• Process mapping
• Presentation development

Nature of Position

• Permanent role.
• Willingness to work extended hours.
• Travel to Vanderbijlpark at least twice per week.

Qualifications

• B Eng Industrial or B Com Logistics.

Skills and Experience

• 5 -7 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, or a related commercial field (logistics company experience preferred).
• Industrial experience.
• Advanced proficiency in MS PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Project management experience.
• SQL experience (preferred).
• Transport routing and scheduling experience (preferred).
• Strong analytical skills (advanced Excel).
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment and manage multiple initiatives.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
• Proactive and self-motivated with logical and creative thinking.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including technical writing.
• Leadership skills to coordinate small projects and obtain necessary information.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Enthusiastic leader who inspires others to achieve results.
• Takes accountability for team performance.