National & Cross-Border Road Freight Manager

Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Department: Logistics & Operations
Reports to: Operations & Logistics Director
Employment Type: Permanent

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced National & Cross-Border Road Freight Manager to lead and optimise all local, intermodal (port), and cross-border transport operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing both an internal fleet and third-party transport providers, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods across South Africa and neighbouring countries. The role requires extensive knowledge of cross-border exports, customs regulations, and cold chain logistics.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Transport Economics preferred.

• Minimum of 5–7 years' experience in road freight management within FMCG, cold chain logistics, or food commodity trading.

• Minimum of 3 years' direct experience managing cross-border road freight exports.

• Proven experience dealing with SARS Customs and State Veterinary authorities.

• Experience managing an internal commercial fleet and leading fleet management teams.

• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, Transport Management Systems (TMS), telematics platforms, and advanced Microsoft Excel.

Key Responsibilities

Export Compliance & Customs Management

• Manage export clearance processes and customs compliance.

• Coordinate State Veterinary inspections and export documentation.

• Liaise with clearing agents, customs officials, and border authorities.

• Ensure compliance with vehicle sealing and detention protocols.

Fleet Management & Leadership

• Oversee the performance of the Fleet Manager and internal fleet operations.

• Ensure vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness, licensing, and compliance.

• Monitor driver performance, fuel consumption, and fleet utilisation.

• Balance transport requirements between internal assets and third-party providers.

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage logistics controllers and support staff.

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures.

• Forecast transport capacity requirements and secure sufficient resources.

Financial & Risk Management

• Manage transporter rates and negotiate competitive pricing.

• Review transport reconciliations and operational costs.

• Ensure Goods in Transit and fleet insurance compliance.

Cold Chain & Claims Management

• Ensure strict temperature control and cold chain compliance.

• Manage transport-related claims and incident investigations.

• Implement corrective actions and recoveries where necessary.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Commercial acumen and cost management experience.

• Ability to perform under pressure and manage operational disruptions.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to undertake additional duties as required by the business.

• Commitment to health and safety, confidentiality, and continuous professional development.