National Operations Manager (JB6284)

Kontak; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The successful candidate will manage multiple branches, coach Branch Managers, and drive continuous improvement across operations, warehousing, cross-docking and linehaul processes. A strong track record in NBCRFLI compliance and cost control is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior management within road freight and distribution.
• Strong Excel, reporting and data analysis skills are required.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage multiple branches and senior managers.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for daily operational performance of the national branch network.
• Lead and coach Branch Managers to achieve targets and service levels.
• Set targets, monitor freight volumes, staffing, costs and productivity across branches.
• Conduct branch reviews, site visits and improvement plans.
• Implement SOPs, systems and controls across the network.
• Develop KPI, OTIF and cost reports and take corrective actions.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

Logistics, Supply Chain, Transport, Operations or Business Management

Tools

TMS

Job description

National Operations Manager (JB6284)

East Rand, Johannesburg with National Travel

Market Related

Permanent | Full-Time

Seeking an experienced National Operations Manager to take responsibility for the performance of a national road freight and distribution operation. The role oversees multiple branches and leads senior operational managers across the business. The successful candidate must understand both national operational strategy and the day-to-day realities of road freight and distribution. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong operational control, commercial awareness, accountability and the ability to improve service levels, productivity, costs and branch profitability.

Minimum Requirements:

• Proven senior management experience within the South African road freight industry.
• Specific experience in break-bulk and express road-freight distribution - essential.
• Experience managing multiple branches, Branch Managers and large operational teams.
• Strong understanding of national freight distribution, warehousing, cross-docking, delivery and collection operations.
• Experience with operational KPIs, OTIF, service levels, productivity and financial reporting.
• Strong linehaul planning, route efficiency, vehicle utilisation and capacity-management experience.
• Experience controlling freight damage, loss, misroutes, claims and operational exceptions.
• Strong cost-control and commercial understanding covering labour, overtime, fuel, transport, linehaul and subcontractor costs.
• Working knowledge of NBCRFLI requirements and South African road freight compliance.
• Experience implementing SOPs, operational controls, performance systems and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong Excel, reporting, data analysis and freight or transport-management system skills.
• Confident dealing with senior clients, service reviews, escalations and operational negotiations.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Relevant qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transport, Operations or Business Management advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel nationally between branches.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Take overall responsibility for the daily operational performance of the national branch network.
• Lead, coach and hold Branch Managers accountable for operational, financial and service-delivery results.
• Set branch targets and monitor freight volumes, productivity, staffing, overtime, service levels and operating costs.
• Conduct branch performance reviews, site visits, operational audits and improvement plans.
• Implement consistent SOPs, systems, controls and operating standards across the national network.
• Develop and analyse KPI, OTIF, branch-performance and operational-cost reports.
• Use operational data to identify trends, weaknesses and practical corrective actions.
• Oversee freight handling, warehousing, cross-docking, loading, linehaul, delivery and collection processes.
• Improve linehaul planning, vehicle fill rates, route efficiency and network capacity utilisation.
• Reduce freight damage, loss, misroutes, claims, delays and repeat service failures.
• Control labour, overtime, fuel, maintenance, linehaul, subcontractor and other operational costs.
• Monitor branch profitability and identify opportunities to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Ensure operational practices comply with NBCRFLI, health and safety, road freight and company requirements.
• Manage escalated customer complaints, service failures and corrective action plans.
• Represent the business in senior client meetings, service reviews and operational negotiations.
• Build strong relationships with key clients, suppliers and service providers.
• Work closely with HR on staffing, discipline, performance, training and succession planning.
• Coordinate with Finance, Fleet, Sales, Customer Service and Senior Management.
• Drive accountability, discipline, teamwork and a high-performance culture across all branches.
• Report to senior management on national operational performance, risks, costs and improvement priorities.

This is a long-term opportunity for an experienced road freight professional who wants national responsibility, direct exposure to senior management and the scope to make a visible impact on operational performance and business growth.

All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.