Job Function: Responsible for managing all operational and administrative aspects of the branch. The Branch Manager will be responsible for supporting the commercial team in-country and managing the branch's finances. This positions requires a candidate with strong leadership skills and excellent knowledge of freight forwarding operations. The Branch Manager plays a critical role in driving business growth, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining efficient operations through driving continuous improvement within the Branch. The Branch Manager must drive a collaborative environment and must exhibit the ability to effective manage a team through coaching and mentoring. Key Performance Areas: Leadership and Team Management: Provide strong leadership and guidance to a team of approximately six staff members, including recruitment, training, coaching, mentoring and performance management. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional development Delegate responsibilities effectively, ensuring efficient resource allocation and workload distribution Operations Management: Support in setting up the branch resources, systems and processes Oversee and coordinate all operational activities within the branch, including import/export processes, customs clearance, documentation, logistics, and transportation. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies and procedures Monitor and analyse operational performance metrics, implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity Develop and implement strategies to achieve branch-specific sales targets and contribute to the overall growth of the organisation Identify new business opportunities, build relationships with clients and partners, and expand the customer base Collaborate with the sales team to develop effective marketing and promotional initiatives to increase market share and revenue. Customer Service: Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction, ensuring that services are delivered promptly, accurately, and according to customer requirements. Address customer enquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and professional manner, resolving issues to maintain positive client relationships. Conduct regular customer meetings to understand their evolving needs and provide appropriate solutions Financial Management: Must have a good financial acumen Develop and manage the branch's annual budget, closely monitoring expenses and revenue to ensure financial targets are met. Review and analyse financial reports, identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost-saving measures where possible. Collaborate with the finance department to ensure accurate and timely billing, invoicing, and financial reconciliation Be a solid point of contact on which your branch's Operations Team and Network will be relying to liaise and filter with Book of Business clients Be a trusted and competent partner towards customers, suppliers and the business Act as an ambassador for the company at all times, understanding and following the company's Code of Conduct and Ethics policies Responsible for building a strong winning culture, leading with change and building capability in the organisation and managing relationships with key stakeholders Support the Country Manager in implementing strategies on the floor Create a culture of high performing teams, grounded in the core values of the organisation to ensure high employee engagement Achieve and exceed financial targets Accurate and up to date reporting to Country Manager Proactively management internal and external risk tot he company and Group Promote and uphold the company's brand and values Qualifications: Matric Bachelor's degree in business administration, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field Relevant professional certifications are a plus Proven track record and recent experience (4-6 years) in a freight forwarding leadership position, logistics, or a similar industry, with a solid understanding of import/export procedures, customs regulations, and transportation logistics is a must Must have a comprehensive understanding of Incoterms to provide guidance to both business and client. Skills and Experience: Excellent communication skills Attention to detail Negotiation skills Service delivery and client satisfaction Work well under pressure, adhere to deadlines and be a self-starter Ability to work independently and be a team player simultaneously Would be required to travel nationally and internationally to visit business partners and clients
