Transportation Operations Manager

DP World; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics company in Gauteng is seeking an experienced operations manager to oversee transport operations. You will manage fleet and subcontractor activities ensuring efficiency and service delivery. The ideal candidate holds an Honours Degree and has a strong background in logistics management, operational leadership, and budgeting. This role offers competitive benefits and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Qualifications

• Up to 8 years of experience in a similar environment.
• At least 5 years of operational leadership or specialist experience.
• Proficient in labour relations procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the fleet and subcontractors.
• Ensure efficient turnaround and utilization of company trucks.
• Coordinate with clients and suppliers to resolve issues.

Skills

Operational leadership

Supply chain management

Budgeting and cost management

People management

Cross-border logistics

Education

Honours Degree in Transport Management, Logistics, or Business Administration

Job description

Job Function

To manage the processes, teams and resources for transport operations, contributing to operational effectiveness, client / customer satisfaction, reduced risk, profitability and compliance to relevant policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage and oversee daily operations of the company’s fleet and subcontractors.
• Monitor all activities of the Operations Department to ensure effective service delivery.
• Ensure the efficient turnaround and utilisation of company trucks.
• Coordinate daily with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to resolve issues and ensure smooth workflows.
• Contribute to annual OPEX and CAPEX planning for Operations; monitor monthly variance-to-budget and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee asset lifecycle management (fleet acquisition, utilisation, maintenance, disposal) to optimise uptime, cost, and ROI.
• Lead logistics operations, including warehousing, inventory, co-packing, and freight management.
• Plan, manage, and execute strategic cost-saving and process improvement initiatives.
• Track and analyse logistics KPIs, identifying and addressing performance gaps.
• Develop and implement systems for tracking cargo movement and optimising efficiency.
• Define and drive customer service excellence metrics (OTIF/DIFOT, order accuracy, lead-time, claims ratio) and close the loop via VOC feedback and corrective actions.
• Analyse statistical and inventory data to guide business decisions.
• Drive initiatives to expand services and enhance the company’s logistics offerings.
• Lead contract negotiation with Operationally related services providers their processes and continuously monitor cost-to-service ratios.
• Prepare and present operations reports and insights to management.
• Produce monthly variance-to-plan reports with root-cause analysis and time-bound actions.
• Maintain a 12- 24 month operational roadmap (practice changes, digital enablement, capacity) with milestones, resources, and benefits tracking.
• Daily client query resolution and updates.
• Maintain good working relationships with Client ,border teams and depot managers.
• Liaise with depots and cross-functional teams to ensure load readiness.
• Supervise and guide the logistics and operations teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous improvement.
• Identify staff development needs and ensure training and performance alignment.
• Create an engaging, enabling and productive work climate aligned to the employee value proposition by demonstrating leadership through personal commitment to organisational values.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and client service standards.
• Oversee internal and external logistics audits and manage inventory reconciliations.
• Contribute to the continuous development of systems (e.g., FMS and other logistics platforms).
• Maintain an operational risk register and enforce corporate governance & regulatory compliance (e.g., DOA, OHSA, POPIA) including subcontractor due diligence/SLA compliance and timely closure of audit findings.

Qualifications

• Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in Transport Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

Skills and Experience

• Up to 8 years of experience in a similar environment with at least 5 years operational leadership or specialist experience.
• Experience in cross-border logistics is an advantage.
• Proficient supply chain management knowledge and / or skill.
• Proficient labour relations procedures knowledge and / or skill.
• Seasoned budgeting and cost management capability.
• Seasoned business and operations management knowledge.
• Seasoned logistics management knowledge.
• Seasoned people management and development capability.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 111,000 employees from 159 nationalities, spanning 77 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses – Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

DP World is on a mission to transcend boundaries and bridge the gap between all nations and cultures – not just in what we do but also in how we behave.

We are dedicated to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity, drives innovation and growth and helps us connect people, businesses, and societies. Free minds and different perspectives are changing our world, and together we can change what’s possible.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

EEO Statement

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or belief.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the world-wide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies.