Operations Manager: Africa

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Operations Manager: Africa

Location: Stellenbosch or Lusaka
Reporting to: General Manager

A well-established logistics and agricultural transport business is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to establish and grow its Africa transport broking division focused on Zambia and broader African operations.

This role is ideal for a commercially minded logistics professional with strong cross-border transport and clearing experience, who can build relationships, grow a transport desk, lead a team, and drive operational performance across multiple African markets.

Key Responsibilities Operations & Transport Management

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Zambia transport division.
• Build and grow the transport broking leg of the business across Africa.
• Manage transport operations for existing and new clients moving cargo into and within Zambia.
• Ensure efficient coordination of loads, subcontractors, transporters, and clearing activities.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations, safety standards, and company policies.

Strategy & Business Growth

• Develop and implement operational and commercial strategies for the division.
• Draft and manage the sales and operational budget for the business unit.
• Identify opportunities to expand the client base and grow revenue.
• Recruit and develop staff in line with business growth plans.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Zambia operations team.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with internal departments to ensure seamless customer delivery.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong relationships with clients and transport partners.
• Resolve operational issues and customer concerns effectively and professionally.
• Collaborate with suppliers, subcontractors, and clearing partners across Africa.

Systems & Reporting

• Utilise logistics systems and technology to improve visibility and operational control.
• Monitor operational KPIs and provide reporting to management.
• Drive process improvements and operational optimisation initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within logistics, transport, or supply chain management.
• Strong cross-border African logistics and clearing experience.
• Solid understanding of transport broking and subcontractor management.
• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Commercially minded with the ability to grow a business unit.
• Willingness to travel regularly to Zambia if based in Stellenbosch.

Key Skills

• Cross-border logistics.
• Transport broking.
• Clearing and forwarding.
• Operations management.
• Team leadership.
• Client relationship management.
• Strategic planning.
• Budget management.
• Supply chain optimisation.
• Problem solving.

Experience & Qualifications

• Logistics or supply chain qualification advantageous.
• Experience within African transport operations essential.
• Agricultural logistics experience advantageous.
• Experience managing subcontractors and transport networks preferred.