Chief Operating Officer

SUMMARY:
Are you a visionary leader with a proven track record of operational excellence in the freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain industry? This is your chance to take a successful group from Good to Great.

POSITION INFO:
Company and Job Description:
A highly respected player in the international logistics and freight forwarding space is looking for an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive strategy, scale operations, and deliver on an ambitious growth journey across Africa and the Middle East.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing executive leadership team at a pivotal moment. With over 50 years of success behind them, the organisation is investing in the future – and you could be at the helm of it. As COO, you’ll be a key strategic partner to the CEO and board, overseeing group operations, enhancing performance, and championing a culture of innovation, accountability, and customer obsession.
If you're passionate about transforming strategy into results, leading diverse teams, and setting industry standards, this opportunity will speak to your career ambitions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, operational, and leadership oversight of the full value chain – from freight forwarding to transport and contract logistics
• Champion operational excellence across all divisions, using data-driven decisions to drive growth, improve KPIs, and unlock new revenue streams
• Lead the senior executive team with a hands-on approach, cultivating a high-performance culture and talent pipeline
• Drive and support new business development, sales, and marketing initiatives to grow market share and improve customer retention
• Oversee innovation, digital transformation, and compliance across IT, financials, and operational areas to futureproof the business

• CA(SA) accreditation is preferred
• 20+ years in freight forwarding, logistics, customs clearing, and transport, with at least 5 years in an executive leadership role; proven experience driving turnaround and growth strategies
• Deep operational and strategic leadership experience;
• Non-negotiables: Must be willing to travel locally and internationally; must possess deep knowledge of the logistics value chain and commercial operations

• Chartered Accountants CA(SA)’s
• Taxation