National Transport Manager

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Join Manuchar South Africa

Manuchar is a recognised leader in the distribution of raw chemicals, international trade, and logistics, offering integrated supply chain solutions across emerging markets. We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Transport Manager to lead and optimise our transport operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective service delivery.

The Opportunity

The Transport Manager will be responsible for leading the transport function, managing both owned and leased fleet operations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with legislative and business requirements. This role requires a strong leader who can balance operational performance, cost management, fleet optimisation, supplier relationships, and people leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations

• Lead and oversee day-to-day transport operations.

• Ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of cargo.

• Drive service excellence and on-time delivery performance.

• Monitor transport performance and implement operational improvements.

• Manage transport-related customer queries and ensure timely resolution.

Fleet Asset Management

• Manage the utilisation, maintenance, performance, and lifecycle of company-owned and leased vehicles.

• Oversee preventative maintenance programmes to ensure fleet reliability and roadworthiness.

• Monitor fleet performance, fuel consumption, repair costs, and downtime.

• Manage fleet replacement, upgrades, licensing, insurance, and compliance requirements.

Transport Planning & Optimisation

• Oversee route planning, scheduling, load optimisation, and resource allocation.

• Drive efficiencies through improved fleet utilisation and operational planning.

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and improve service delivery.

• Utilise transport management systems and reporting tools to improve planning accuracy.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Prepare and manage transport budgets.

• Monitor and control transport operating costs.

• Analyse transport costs and identify opportunities for cost savings.

• Ensure the department operates within approved budgets and financial targets.

• Compile monthly operational and financial reports.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with fleet suppliers, maintenance providers, leasing companies, and transport contractors.

• Lead procurement activities relating to trucks, trailers, and transport-related assets.

• Negotiate supplier agreements and monitor service level performance.

• Evaluate supplier performance and drive value-added procurement outcomes.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with transport legislation, company policies, and safety standards.

• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the transport operation.

• Manage incidents, investigations, insurance claims, and corrective actions.

• Ensure all vehicle and driver documentation remains compliant.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop transport personnel.

• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development initiatives.

• Manage workforce planning, succession planning, and training activities.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a transport management role within a medium to large organisation.

• Proven experience managing and leading teams.

• Experience managing both owned and leased vehicle fleets.

• Experience negotiating transport rates and supplier contracts.

• Experience in truck and trailer procurement, fleet specification, and lifecycle management.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of transport operations, fleet management, and supply chain principles.

• Sound understanding of transport legislation and compliance requirements.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen.

• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.

• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing skills.

What We're Looking For:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Integrity and accountability.

• Strong commercial and operational judgement.

• Excellent leadership capability.

• A continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Resilience and the ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.

• A commitment to safety, service excellence, and ethical business practices.

Why Join Manuchar?

• Be part of a respected global organisation.

• Lead a critical transport function with significant operational impact.

• Work within a collaborative and values-driven environment.

• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Contribute to driving operational excellence and innovation across the business.