General Manager

Our client in the transport and logistics industry is seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven General Manager - Logistics to lead the company's end-to-end transport operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective fleet performance. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing fleet productivity, transport operations, customer service, asset utilization, operational controls, cost management, and continuous improvement initiatives that support business growth and profitability. This role requires a commercially minded leader with strong operational expertise, financial discipline, and the ability to drive high-performing logistics operations across the organization.

Responsibilities: Lead the day-to-day transport operations to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable service delivery. Deliver monthly fleet utilization and kilometre targets while maximizing operational performance. Optimize truck deployment, scheduling, and route planning to improve fleet productivity. Reduce vehicle idle time and turnaround time through effective operational planning. Ensure timely loading, transportation, and delivery of customer shipments. Coordinate closely with customers, depots, warehouses, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless logistics operations. Arrange third-party transport providers whenever internal fleet capacity is insufficient to meet customer demand. Ensure smooth loading and unloading operations while maintaining service quality standards. Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction through efficient and reliable transport services. Work closely with workshop and maintenance teams to maximize fleet availability. Minimize vehicle breakdowns through effective preventive maintenance planning. Monitor vehicle downtime, maintenance costs, and fleet performance to improve operational efficiency. Drive continuous improvements that enhance fleet reliability and operational productivity. Own and manage the transport operating budget while ensuring financial discipline. Monitor cost per kilometre, fleet profitability, and overall transport operating costs. Investigate abnormal operating costs and implement corrective measures. Benchmark transport costs and continuously identify opportunities for operational cost savings. Investigate transit shortages and implement corrective actions to minimize operational losses. Review unusual repair bills, operational advances, and exceptional operating expenses for financial accuracy. Verify GPS travel distances against financial records and operational reports. Ensure operational reports accurately reflect field activities and transport performance. Ensure GPS tracking systems, vehicle cameras, and fleet monitoring technologies remain fully operational. Maintain accurate tyre records, fleet master data, and transport documentation. Ensure complete and accurate trip documentation is maintained for every transport movement. Ensure compliance with all applicable transport regulations, policies, and statutory requirements. Lead driver training programs, safety initiatives, and continuous safety awareness campaigns. Monitor accident trends, investigate incidents, and implement corrective and preventive actions. Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety and operational excellence throughout the organization. Lead, mentor, and develop logistics teams across all operational functions. Supervise the Finance Controller - Logistics and Operations Coordinator while driving accountability and performance. Develop departmental KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and foster a high-performance culture. Support customer acquisition initiatives by providing effective transport solutions. Develop and maintain strong relationships with transporters, suppliers, and key business partners. Support commercial pricing decisions by providing operational and transport costing insights.

Requirements Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 8-15 years of progressive experience in transport, logistics, or fleet management. Proven experience managing large commercial or heavy vehicle fleets. Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets and driving financial performance. Strong understanding of transport costing, fleet utilization, and logistics operations. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and logistics reporting. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance operational performance and profitability. Excellent leadership, people management, and team development skills. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building abilities. Ability to lead operational improvements and manage change within complex logistics environments. Experience working with GPS tracking systems, fleet monitoring technologies, and transport management systems is highly desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Swahili is highly desirable. Willingness to travel regularly across Tanzania as required. Previous experience working within East Africa is preferred. Experience working with weighbridges, TRA regulations, and transport compliance requirements is highly desirable. Experience working within Indian-managed businesses operating in East Africa is considered an added advantage. Proven experience stabilizing, optimizing, or transforming underperforming logistics operations is highly preferred.