General Manager II

Unitrans Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic General Manager to lead its Freight Forwarding and Clearing business unit. This pivotal role involves developing business strategies, ensuring operational excellence, and managing client relationships. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in logistics and freight forwarding, coupled with strong leadership and negotiation skills. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and sustainability, and play a key role in driving the company's growth while ensuring compliance with industry standards. If you are results-driven and passionate about logistics, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years experience in freight forwarding or logistics management.
• Strong understanding of customs documentation and shipping regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies aligned with company goals.
• Oversee the complete freight forwarding process ensuring efficiency.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Vendor Management

Analytical Skills

Leadership Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Customer-Centric Approach

Resilience in High-Pressure Environments

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain

Postgraduate Qualification

Tools

Logistics Software

Transport Management Systems (TMS)

Job description

We see, hear, understand and appreciate every individual in our organisation.

Through empowering our people we deliver on our purpose - The Power of Doing.

Closing Date: 04 / 30

Reference Number: UNI-6

Job Title: General Manager II

Business Unit / Division: Consumer

Contract: Growth Admin

Job Type Classification: Permanent - Normal

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Minimum Education Level: Honours Degree | Postgraduate Diploma

Job Advert Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager to lead and manage our Freight Forwarding and Clearing business unit.

The successful candidate will be fully accountable for the performance of the business unit and its delivery against key objectives aligned to the overall strategic intent of the Consumer Division and Unitrans as a whole.

Qualifications & Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field (Postgraduate qualification is a plus).
2. Minimum of 7–10 years' experience in freight forwarding / logistics, with at least 3-5 years in a management role.
3. Strong understanding of Incoterms, customs documentation, shipping regulations, and global trade compliance.
4. Proven experience managing large-scale import / export operations across multiple geographies.
5. Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
6. Proficient in logistics software and tools.
7. Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
8. Experience working in a large, complex logistics company or multinational environment is highly advantageous.
9. Strategic and operational thinking.
10. Strong commercial acumen.
11. Exceptional problem-solving ability.
12. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
13. Team leadership and people development.
14. Results-driven with attention to detail.
15. Customer-centric approach.
16. Resilience in high-pressure environments.

Compliance & Industry Standards:

1. Familiarity with relevant regulatory bodies and trade protocols (e.g., SARS, SADC, AEO, WCO, ISO standards).
2. Ability to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards within freight operations.
3. Knowledge of international and regional trade frameworks and customs systems (e.g., ASYCUDA, Single Window platforms).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute business strategies aligned with the company's goals and industry trends. Identify growth opportunities and lead negotiations with key stakeholders. Represent the company in high-level engagements with government agencies, trade associations, and regulatory bodies.
2. Deliver Operational Excellence: Structure a team that supports the intended strategic growth and oversee the complete freight forwarding process for air, sea, road, and rail shipments, ensuring efficiency and alignment with client expectations.
3. Client Service & Relationship Management: Serve as the escalation point for key client accounts. Build and maintain strong relationships by understanding their needs and delivering tailored logistics solutions that meet service level agreements (SLAs).
4. Carrier and Supplier Management: Lead negotiations and maintain commercial relationships with carriers, shipping lines, airlines, transporters, and clearing agents. Monitor vendor performance to ensure service excellence, cost competitiveness, and compliance.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with international trade regulations, customs procedures, import / export laws, and environmental regulations. Keep abreast of changes in legislation and ensure team adherence to all relevant standards and laws.
6. Documentation & Customs: Oversee accurate and timely preparation and submission of shipping and customs documentation. Ensure correct tariff classification and application of duties / taxes.
7. Cost Management & Optimization: Analyse freight costs, identify inefficiencies, and drive continuous cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining service quality.
8. Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks. Investigate and manage claims for loss, damage, or delays, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
9. Technology & Systems Management: Leverage freight forwarding and transport management systems (TMS) to track shipments, generate reports, and provide clients with real-time updates.
10. KPI Monitoring & Reporting: Define, monitor, and report on operational KPIs such as on-time delivery, dwell time, cost per shipment, and customs clearance times.
11. Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of freight coordinators, managerial, and administrative staff. Set objectives, conduct performance appraisals, and ensure continuous skills development within the team.
12. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with warehousing, finance, procurement, sales, and IT departments to ensure smooth integration of freight operations into broader supply chain strategies.
13. Sustainability & Innovation: Promote and implement greener logistics practices where possible. Stay ahead of logistics trends and innovations to drive competitive advantage.

We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally. It is company policy to promote from within wherever possible. Therefore, please be aware that internal candidates will be considered first before reviewing external applicants, provided that this supports achievement of our Employment Equity goals.

Address: Block V and W, Greenford Office Park, Puntersway, Kenilworth, PO Box, Glosderry.