Overview
Head of Road Freight Jobs in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa at HRExec
Title: Head of Road Freight
Company: HRExec
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
HRExec Recruitment Specialists are currently partnering with a well-established international supply chain and logistics company seeking an experienced Head of Road Freight to lead and grow their road freight division.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience within freight forwarding domestic, and international logistics.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience managing road freight operations.
• Proven experience managing road freight operations.
• Strong leadership experience managing operational teams.
• Experience in carrier management and transport procurement.
• Sound commercial and financial understanding.
• Experience within an international freight forwarding environment is highly advantageous.
• Experience using CargoWise or a similar freight forwarding ERP system would be advantageous.
Technical Knowledge
• Road freight operations
• Cross-border transport throughout Sub-Saharan Africa
• Customs and border clearance processes
• Transport planning and optimisation
• Carrier procurement and rate negotiation
• Freight forwarding operations
• KPI development and reporting
• Budget management
• Risk management
• Incoterms
• Transport legislation and compliance
Role & Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
• Lead the day-to-day management of the road freight division.
• Ensure the efficient execution of domestic and cross-border road freight operations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational processes and standard operating procedures.
• Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining high service levels.
• Monitor shipment performance, delivery timelines, and service quality.
• Ensure all operational activities comply with company policies and legislative requirements.
Team Leadership
• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the road freight operations team.
• Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training requirements.
• Build succession plans and develop future leaders within the department.
Customer Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers.
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational issues.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and proactive communication.
• Participate in customer meetings and business reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Commercial & Business Development
• Support the sales team with operational expertise during customer engagements.
• Assist in developing road freight solutions for new and existing clients.
• Identify opportunities to grow revenue and improve profitability.
• Participate in strategic tenders and pricing discussions.
• Ensure customer solutions remain commercially viable.
Carrier & Supplier Management
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with transport providers.
• Negotiate competitive transport rates and service agreements.
• Monitor carrier performance through agreed KPIs.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and identify improvement opportunities.
Financial Management
• Manage departmental budgets and operational costs.
• Drive profitability through cost optimisation initiatives.
• Review operational profitability and gross profit margins.
• Approve supplier invoices where applicable.
• Ensure accurate billing and cost recovery.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with road transport legislation and customs requirements.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Ensure all transport documentation is complete and accurate.
• Maintain audit readiness across all operational activities.
Performance Management
• Develop and monitor departmental KPIs.
• Produce regular operational and management reports.
• Analyse operational trends and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
Why join the team and what the Company Offers:
• This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced road freight professional to lead and shape a key division within a dynamic international business.
• Competitive salary package
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• Dynamic and international working environment