General Manager – Terminal Operations and Business Head

SUMMARY:
Ready to Lead, Drive Growth & Deliver Results?

We’re seeking an entrepreneurial General Manager – Terminal Operations & Business Head to take the lead, drive operational excellence, grow the business, build strong client relationships and deliver sustainable profitability, all while aligning with the Group’s strategic vision.

POSITION INFO:
Key responsibilities: Overall Business Leadership & P&L Accountability: Take full ownership of the business unit's overall Profit & Loss (P&L), revenue growth, cost optimization and profitability. Develop and execute annual business plans, budgets, operational strategies and financial targets. Drive sustainable growth in revenue, EBITDA, operating margins and return on assets. Identify commercial opportunities, improve capacity utilization and maximize terminal profitability. Monitor financial performance, operating costs, receivables and working capital efficiency. Ensure the business remains competitive, financially disciplined and commercially successful. Terminal Operations & Performance Management: Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across multiple ICD and CFS terminal facilities. Oversee the end-to-end handling of bulk, breakbulk and containerized import\/export cargo. Ensure efficient cargo receiving, unloading, storage, inventory management, bagging, stuffing, loading and dispatch operations. Optimize terminal productivity, equipment utilization, manpower deployment and cargo turnaround times. Establish and monitor operational KPIs, service quality standards and cost-efficiency measures. Ensure proper maintenance, availability and productivity of all terminal equipment and infrastructure. Maintain high standards of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), regulatory compliance and cargo integrity. Commercial Development & Client Relationship Management: Lead relationships with key international and regional clients, including mining companies, commodity traders, shipping lines, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. Take ownership of major client contracts, commercial negotiations, service commitments and customer satisfaction. Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities to increase cargo volumes and market share. Build long-term strategic partnerships and strengthen AILL's competitive positioning. Personally engage with key customers to resolve critical operational or commercial matters. Ensure effective coordination between commercial commitments and operational execution. Strategic Alignment & Business Expansion: Align terminal operations, commercial initiatives and financial performance with the broader strategic objectives of the Group. Identify opportunities for capacity expansion, new terminal developments, operational improvements and business diversification. Prepare strategic proposals, business cases, investment evaluations and performance improvement plans. Work closely with Group Management on business planning, capital expenditure, growth initiatives and organizational development. Drive continuous improvement, automation, technology adoption and operational transformation. Organizational Leadership & People Management: Provide decisive leadership and overall management of the terminal organization. Lead, mentor and hold accountable the Operations, Commercial, Finance, Maintenance, Administration, HSSE and other supporting teams. Establish clear responsibilities, reporting structures, performance targets and management accountability. Build a strong culture of ownership, discipline, teamwork, productivity and results. Develop capable second-line management and ensure effective succession planning. Resolve operational challenges proactively while maintaining high employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. Governance, Compliance & Stakeholder Management: Ensure compliance with applicable customs, port, transport, environmental, labour and other regulatory requirements. Maintain effective relationships with relevant regulatory authorities, port operators, shipping agents and logistics stakeholders. Ensure contractual compliance, robust internal controls and effective risk management. Provide accurate, timely and transparent operational and financial reporting to Group Management. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance or a related discipline. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage. Minimum 12-15 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership or general management. Proven experience in managing ICDs, CFS facilities, port terminals, bulk cargo handling, container terminals or integrated logistics businesses. Demonstrated experience managing a full business unit with direct P&L accountability. Strong understanding of terminal operations, cargo handling systems, commercial contracting and logistics economics. Experience managing large operational teams, multiple facilities and high-value customer accounts. Exposure to East African logistics markets, international commodity trading and transit cargo corridors will be a significant advantage. Business Ownership: Ability to operate as an accountable business leader rather than solely an operations manager. Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of pricing, revenue development, cost structures and profitability. Operational Excellence: Proven ability to deliver high-volume cargo handling operations efficiently and safely. Strategic Thinking: Capability to translate Group objectives into measurable business results. Leadership & Accountability: Ability to independently lead multidisciplinary teams and take ownership of outcomes. Client Orientation: Strong negotiation, relationship management and problem-solving capabilities. Decision-Making: Ability to make timely, commercially sound decisions in a demanding operational environment. Performance-Driven Mindset: Strong commitment to delivering measurable financial, commercial and operational improvements. Should you not receive a response within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Please refer to our website, , where all our active vacancies are advertised. IMPORTANT NOTICE By applying to this advert you hereby acknowledge that you have read and accept the following Protection of Personal Information ACT (POPIA) disclaimer: I hereby consent for Talented Recruitment to process my personal information as part of the recruitment process. Talented Recruitment shall take all reasonable measures to protect the personal information of applicants and for the purpose of this disclaimer \"personal information\" shall be defined as detailed in the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act 4 of 2013 (\"POPIA\").