Managing Director

Network Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 4,200,000 - 6,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment presents an opportunity to lead a senior South African logistics business, accountable for performance, growth and future direction of a significant operation with broad services in international freight forwarding, contract logistics, transport and supply-chain solutions.

We seek a Managing Director who can translate strategy into measurable commercial and operational results, blend boardroom influence with hands-on leadership, and create momentum across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Several years' senior executive leadership experience in international freight forwarding or logistics.
• Proven track record leading complex, multi-functional businesses with P&L accountability.
• Strong understanding of SA logistics and freight-forwarding markets with international exposure.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategy into measurable commercial and operational results.
• Lead business performance, budgeting, cash flow, and risk management.
• Drive growth, profitability and shareholder value alongside the CFO.

Job description

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

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially minded executive who is ready to take full accountability for the performance, growth and future direction of a significant South African operation. With an established market presence, 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 who is 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 create momentum across the organisation.

Some of the role's key focus areas:

Strategic & Business Leadership

• 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 investment opportunities 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 in partnership 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 within international freight forwarding, contract logistics, transport, customs clearing and/or broader supply-chain management, with significant senior executive leadership experience.
• 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.
• 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, together 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.