Transport Manager - Fleet Operations

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical aid

Substantial provident fund

Performance-based incentives

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Transport Manager to lead fleet operations in Gauteng, overseeing maintenance, route planning, and driver management. The role demands strategic thinking, regulatory know-how, and a track record of improving efficiency and safety.

The ideal candidate will manage a large vehicle fleet, develop cost-saving initiatives, and drive best practices in fleet maintenance and compliance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in transport management or senior logistics roles.
• Experience managing large vehicle fleets and oversee fleet operations.
• Strong knowledge of fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance and safety standards.
• Budgeting and cost-control experience in logistics.
• Leadership and people development skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of fleet operations, including vehicle maintenance, repair scheduling, and lifecycle management.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize fleet performance, fuel efficiency, and costs.
• Ensure compliance with road safety regulations, transport laws and environmental standards.
• Lead a team of drivers, dispatchers, and fleet maintenance staff with a culture of safety and performance.
• Implement and monitor driver safety programs and performance metrics.
• Manage relationships with vehicle suppliers, service providers, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and manage the annual fleet budget, ensuring cost control and accountability.
• Use fleet management software and telematics to monitor location, performance and driver behavior.
• Plan and optimize vehicle routes to ensure timely delivery of goods.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategy

Finance

Problem solving

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or Transport Management

Tools

Fleet management systems

Telematics technology

Logistics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the national freight and logistics industry, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Transport Manager to oversee their extensive fleet operations in Soweto, Gauteng. This critical role demands a leader with a deep understanding of fleet management, regulatory compliance, cost control, and operational efficiency. The Transport Manager will be responsible for managing a large fleet of vehicles, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness, while leading a dedicated team of drivers and support staff. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a strong grasp of transportation dynamics, and a proven ability to implement best practices in fleet maintenance, route optimization, and driver management. This is a significant opportunity to influence and shape the core of our client's transportation services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of fleet operations, including vehicle maintenance, repair scheduling, and lifecycle management.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize fleet performance, fuel efficiency, and operational costs.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant road safety regulations, transport laws, and environmental standards.
• Manage and lead a team of drivers, dispatchers, and fleet maintenance personnel, fostering a culture of safety and performance.
• Implement and enforce driver safety programs and performance monitoring systems.
• Manage relationships with vehicle suppliers, maintenance providers, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and manage the annual fleet budget, ensuring cost control and financial accountability.
• Utilize fleet management software and telematics to monitor vehicle location, performance, and driver behavior.
• Plan and optimize vehicle routes to ensure timely and efficient delivery of goods.
• Investigate and resolve any transportation incidents, accidents, or operational issues promptly.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (e.g., 8+ years) in transport management, fleet operations, or a senior logistics role, with a significant portion in a managerial capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of fleet maintenance, repair, regulatory compliance (e.g., roadworthy, licensing), and safety standards.
• Proven experience in managing large vehicle fleets, including various types of trucks and commercial vehicles.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent understanding of transportation planning, route optimization, and logistics software.
• Proficiency in fleet management systems and telematics technology.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Logistics, Transport Management, or a related field is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier medical aid, a substantial provident fund, and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading national logistics company are abundant.
• This role offers the chance to lead significant operational functions in Soweto, Gauteng , impacting the company's success and sustainability.
• We are committed to providing a challenging yet rewarding work environment where experienced professionals can thrive and make a lasting contribution.