Operations Manager (Freight/ Logistics)

Job Details

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Johannesburg North

Salary: Market, Related

Industry: Freight/ Logistics

Job Purpose

To oversee and manage operational activities, including linehaul, customer service, route planning, fleet coordination and proof of delivery processes. The role is responsible for driving operational efficiency, maintaining service standards, managing people and resources, and ensuring that operational targets and customer expectations are met.

Educational Qualifications

• Matric Certificate (Grade 12) - essential.

• A relevant tertiary qualification will be advantageous.

• A valid driver's licence will be advantageous.

Essential Work Experience

• Extensive experience in courier industry operations.

• Extensive experience in linehaul operations.

• Strong operational background, including the ability to manage and coordinate daily operational activities.

• Experience in route planning, route productivity analysis and operational performance monitoring.

• Experience in customer service and resolving service-related issues, including missed collections, non-deliveries and late deliveries.

• Experience in fleet coordination and management.

• Experience in people management, team development and performance management.

Technical Knowledge and Computer Skills

• Strong computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, email and reporting systems.

• Ability to analyse operational information and prepare reports.

• Geographical knowledge of South Africa.

• Knowledge of FW systems will be advantageous.

• Understanding of route planning, linehaul scheduling, proof of delivery (POD) processes and fleet operations.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and team-building skills.

• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet operational deadlines.

• Strong planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Good time management and organisational abilities.

• Ability to implement corrective action to improve operational performance.

• Strong customer service orientation.

• Ability to build, develop and motivate teams.

• High levels of accountability, initiative and commitment to getting the job done.

• Flexibility to accommodate changing operational requirements and working hours.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate, energetic and results-driven.

• A team player with strong interpersonal skills.

• A people-oriented individual who can build and maintain effective working relationships.

• Willingness and ability to grow and develop within the organisation.

• Professional appearance and well-groomed presentation.

• Adaptable and solutions-oriented.

• Own transport is essential

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Leadership and Human Resources

• Lead, manage and motivate operational teams to achieve business objectives.

• Assist with recruitment, assessment, training and development of employees.

• Support performance management, discipline and team-building initiatives.

• Develop employees and promote accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

• Monitor team performance and address operational or personnel challenges.

Operations and Linehaul Management

• Oversee daily courier operations and linehaul activities.

• Monitor departure and arrival times to ensure operational schedules are maintained.

• Coordinate linehaul movements and address delays or operational disruptions.

• Ensure that collections, deliveries and shipment processing are completed efficiently.

• Develop contingency plans to minimise disruptions and maintain service continuity.

Customer Service and Service Standards

• Monitor service delivery performance and ensure that customer expectations are met.

• Investigate and address missed collections, non-deliveries and late deliveries.

• Implement corrective actions to improve service levels.

• Work with relevant teams to resolve customer complaints and operational queries.

• Promote a customer-focused culture throughout the operation.

Route Planning and Productivity

• Oversee route planning and analyse route productivity.

• Identify inefficiencies and implement corrective measures.

• Monitor operational performance and recommend improvements.

• Ensure that routes and resources are used efficiently to achieve service and productivity targets.

Fleet Management

• Coordinate fleet allocation to meet operational requirements.

• Monitor vehicle maintenance, repairs and maintenance (R&M), and vehicle availability.

• Develop backup plans to address vehicle breakdowns and operational incidents.

• Investigate and report accidents and incidents.

• Maintain appropriate fleet standards, safety and professional vehicle presentation.

Warehouse, Yard and Shipment Processing

• Oversee warehouse and yard activities, including scanning, stock rotation, housekeeping and security.

• Monitor shipment processing, packaging, loading and offloading.

• Ensure the appropriate handling of shipments and operational materials.

• Maintain accurate scanning and shipment records.

• Promote an orderly, secure and efficient working environment.

Third-Party Management

• Monitor the performance and service delivery of third-party service providers.

• Ensure that external partners meet required operational standards.

• Address service deficiencies and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Proof of Delivery (POD) Management

• Oversee POD processes and ensure that delivery documentation is completed and processed accurately.

• Monitor outstanding PODs and resolve related discrepancies.

• Ensure that POD information is available for operational reporting and customer queries.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable health and safety requirements.

• Monitor the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Promote safe working practices across operational areas.

• Ensure that incidents and accidents are reported and addressed appropriately.

General Operational Management

• Monitor operational performance against agreed targets.

• Prepare and review operational reports to support management decisions.

• Identify opportunities for improved productivity, efficiency and service delivery.

• Maintain effective communication with internal departments and external stakeholders.

• Adapt to changing business requirements and undertake additional duties when necessary.

Recruitment and Assessment Process

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete the following assessments and checks, in accordance with applicable legislation and company procedures:

• Initial interview.

• Management Committee (MANCO) or Executive Committee (EXCO) interview.

• Criminal record check.

• Pre-employment polygraph assessment, where lawful and appropriately administered.

• Mathematics literacy assessment.

Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will be assessed on their ability to:

• Lead and develop operational teams.

• Maintain customer service standards.

• Improve route productivity and operational efficiency.

• Manage warehouse, yard, shipment processing and linehaul activities.

• Coordinate fleet resources effectively.

• Maintain effective third-party service delivery.

• Promote health, safety and legal compliance.

• Achieve operational targets and support continuous improvement.