Managing Director

Network Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 3,500,000 - 8,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment seeks a Managing Director to steer a significant South African operations portfolio across international freight forwarding, contract logistics, transport and supply-chain solutions.

The role requires a seasoned logistics executive with P&L accountability, strong customer and board-level engagement, and a hands-on approach to drive growth, profitability and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Significant senior executive leadership experience in large-scale operations.
• Proven track record in growing commercial performance, P&L, and strategic delivery.
• Strong understanding of the South African logistics and freight-forwarding market.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategy into actionable plans with measurable KPIs.
• Lead the SA business in alignment with Group objectives and Board directions.
• Drive revenue, profitability, cash flow, and shareholder value.
• Lead budgeting, strategic planning, and annual business reviews with the Board.
• Develop and execute digital and technology strategies with the executive team.

Skills

International freight forwarding

Contract logistics

Transport

Customs clearing

Supply-chain management

Warehousing

Inventory management

FMCG or manufacturing operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Business

Executive leadership programme or postgraduate qualification (advantage)

Job description

An opportunity to lead, shape and accelerate an established business with an ambitious growth agenda.

This senior leadership opportunity is for a commercially minded executive ready to take full accountability for the performance, growth, and future direction of a significant South African operation. With an established market presence and a broad portfolio spanning international freight forwarding, contract logistics, transport and supply-chain solutions, the business is entering an exciting phase in its evolution.

We are looking for a Managing Director who can build on what is already strong, challenge what can be better, and translate strategy into measurable commercial and operational results. The role calls for a leader equally comfortable in the boardroom, with customers, and on the ground with their teams—someone who can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and build momentum across the organisation.

Some of the role's key focus areas:

• Translate Group strategy into actionable business plans, objectives and measurable KPIs.
• Lead the development and execution of the South African business strategy in alignment with Group and Board objectives.
• Identify new market opportunities, products, services, and potential investments to support sustainable growth.
• Champion a customer-obsessed culture, ensuring the business remains relevant to its existing and target customer base.
• Develop and execute strategies to retain key customers and protect existing revenue.

Operational Excellence

• Provide leadership across the organisation's key business areas, including:
• International freight forwarding
• Air freight
• Customs clearing and brokerage
• Contract logistics
• Transport
• Trade lanes and related supply-chain solutions
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity and service excellence across the organisation.
• Take overall accountability for business performance, partnering with the CFO.
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, cash flow and sustainable shareholder value.
• Lead the annual budgeting and strategic planning process and present business plans and performance to the Board.
• Lead the development and execution of the business's digital and technology strategy in partnership with the relevant executive leadership.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will be a seasoned logistics executive with a strong track record of leading complex, commercially focused businesses.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Several years’ experience in international freight forwarding, contract logistics, transport, customs clearing, supply-chain management, warehousing, inventory management and/or FMCG or manufacturing operations, with significant senior executive leadership experience and responsibility for large-scale operations, commercial performance and P&L management.
• Proven track record of leading complex, multi-functional businesses, with full commercial and P&L accountability and a strong focus on growth, profitability and operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of the South African logistics and freight-forwarding market, supported by international exposure; would be ideal.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with major customers, Boards, shareholders and key stakeholders, including experience supporting and closing significant commercial opportunities.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cash flow, pricing, margins, cost management, and profitability, along with an understanding of risk, legal, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing executive teams and drive accountability across the organisation.
• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business or a related discipline; an executive leadership programme and/or relevant postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.