Executive Director to the CEO

Zeus Shuttles and Coaches; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company in Bloemfontein is seeking an Executive Director to partner with the CEO in driving business growth and operational excellence. This role requires a minimum of 10 years of senior management experience in fleet management or logistics, coupled with strong financial acumen and strategic planning abilities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in operational efficiency and a passion for the transport industry. Join us to play a pivotal role in our expansion phase.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ senior management experience in fleet management or transport.
• Proven record in driving operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-scaling environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO to define and execute strategic priorities for business expansion.
• Lead day-to-day fleet and operational processes for optimal performance.
• Monitor financial performance and implement cost-optimization strategies.

Skills

Fleet management expertise

Commercial acumen

Financial performance monitoring

Leadership skills

Strategic planning

Education

Relevant qualification in Business or Transport Management

MBA advantageous

Job description

Role Overview

The Executive Director to the CEO will act as the CEO’s right-hand partner — a trusted advisor, strategist and operational leader responsible for translating the business’ vision for growth into measurable results. The role demands deep fleet management and transport operations expertise, strong commercial and financial acumen and proven track record to deliver measurable performance improvements in a growing, asset-intensive business. This individual will play a pivotal role in driving growth, profitability and organisational alignment as Zeus enters its next phase of expansion. Key Responsibilities Strategic leadership and business growth Partner with the CEO to define and execute strategic priorities that drive business expansion and operational excellence.Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and contracts within the fleet management, corporate transport, and tourism markets.Oversee performance initiatives that improve fleet utilisation, revenue generation, and customer satisfaction.Support the CEO in managing strategic relationships with key clients, government entities, and regulatory bodies.

Operational excellence

Lead and optimise day-to-day fleet and operational processes — from scheduling, dispatch, and maintenance to driver management and customer service.Implement systems and performance metrics that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure safety and compliance across the fleet.Champion innovation and technology adoption in areas such as telematics, fuel efficiency, and preventative maintenance.Drive data-driven decision-making through reporting and analytics on fleet costs, productivity, and profitability.

Commercial and financial stewardship

Work alongside the CEO and finance team to shape annual budgets, forecasts, and business models that support scalable growth.Monitor financial performance across divisions and implement cost‑optimisation strategies.Negotiate key commercial agreements, supply contracts, and service‑level partnerships.Support funding initiatives, investment cases, and business plan presentations where required.

People and culture

Represent and reinforce the CEO’s vision and leadership ethos across the business.Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and service excellence.Mentor and empower operations managers and team leaders to enhance organisational capability.Ensure effective communication and alignment between operational teams and executive leadership.

Key requirements

Minimum of 10 years’ senior management experience within the fleet management, transport, or logistics sectors.Relevant qualification, diploma or degree in Business, Transport Management, Engineering, or a related discipline; MBA advantageous.Proven track record in driving operational efficiency, business growth, and financial performance.Deep understanding of fleet operations, including maintenance planning, asset lifecycle management, fuel optimisation, and safety compliance.Strong financial literacy and commercial negotiation skills.Excellent leadership, analytical, and strategic planning abilities.Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑scaling environment.

Competencies

Strategic and analytical thinker with a strong execution mindset.Confident communicator capable of influencing at all levels.Entrepreneurial and agile. Ability to operate in both boardroom and operational settings.Passionate about the transport industry, safety and delivering operational excellence.