Overview:
The Regional Operations Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence, data integrity, and service reliability across the Transport Division’s regional footprint (including DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Kenya). This role bridges the gap between the strategic direction set by the Operations Director and the in‑country execution led by General Managers / Country Managers. It ensures that operational processes, SOPs, and key performance indicators are consistently applied, monitored, and improved. The role has a particular focus on transport management system (TMS) accuracy and timeliness, carrier performance management, cross‑border compliance, real‑time visibility (control tower/whiteboard discipline), and financial discipline.
Key Job Functions:
Strategic & Operational Planning
- Translate the Operations Director’s strategic goals into monthly and quarterly operational plans for each country.
- Prepare weekly operational dashboards (loads, transit, exceptions, carrier performance) for management review.
- Participate in capacity planning meetings to align transport capacity with internal client demand.
Country Support & Oversight
- Lead initiatives to maintain TMS data accuracy (≥98%) and same‑day update compliance.
- Produce weekly data quality reports by country.
Carrier & Supplier Management
- Implement and monitor carrier performance scorecards (OTIF, claims, communication).
- Conduct quarterly carrier business reviews; recommend replacement of underperformers.
- Ensure all carriers have signed standard operating procedures (including standing time demurrage).
- Manage round-tripping initiatives to reduce empty backhauls.
Process Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Roll out and enforce standardised SOPs for load creation, allocation, tracking, border clearance, and POD management.
- Conduct monthly process audits in each country; report findings to the Operations Director.
- Drive continuous improvement projects (e.g., reducing manual data entry, automating status updates).
Financial & Cost Control
- Monitor sin costs (penalties, claims, unrecovered demurrage)
- Enforce working capital discipline (debtors ≤45 days, creditors ≥30 days).
- Support fuel surcharge mechanisms and track recovery from clients.
- Provide monthly budget vs actual variance analysis per country within 5 working days of month‑end.
Team Leadership & Culture
- Embed the **5 Cs** (Value, Cash, Culture, Consistency, Connectedness) across all operational teams.
- Mentor in‑country operations managers and coordinators; identify and develop future leaders.
- Conduct regular operational stand‑ups (daily/weekly) to review performance and address bottlenecks.
Risk, Compliance & SHEQ
- Ensure 100% compliance with (with transporters) national customs regulations (e.g., SARS, ZRA, DRC customs) and SADC/COMESA transit rules.
- Monitor border clearance documentation (entry cards, exit notes, permits) to avoid penalties.
- Lead incident reporting and root cause analysis for accidents, cargo damage, or delays
Requirements
Education
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Diploma/Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Business Management
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in cross‑border transport operations (including
- 3+ years in senior supervision)
- Proven experience with a Transport Management System (TMS) and telematics platforms
- Strong understanding of SADC customs and transit procedures (especially DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
- Experience managing carrier relationships and performance scorecards
- Financial literacy – budgeting, cost control, invoicing queries
- Intermediate/Advanced Excel and BI dashboard reporting
- Experience in a non‑asset / brokerage transport model (Advantageous)
- People management experience (teams of 10+)
- Willingness to travel frequently
Technical Skills
- High computer literacy (TMS, BI tools, MS Office).
- Excellent verbal/written English.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
Join Steinweg to ensure our services exceed client expectations. Apply now to become part of our dynamic team!
Interested?
Please send your CV to recruitment@za.steinweg.com