TRANSPORT OPERATIONS MANAGER

Supply Chain

Job Purpose
The Transport Operations Manager is responsible for the end-to-end operational leadership of the Company's transport network, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective execution of primary and secondary distribution activities across the business.

The role is accountable for transport planning, fleet utilisation, carrier performance, transport execution, customer service, cost management and regulatory compliance while ensuring products are delivered safely, on time and in full. Working closely with Regional Logistics, Warehouse Operations, Customer Service, Planning, Fleet Maintenance and external transport partners, the Transport Operations Manager ensures transport resources are optimally deployed to support operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
The incumbent drives continuous improvement by optimising transport networks, enhancing fleet productivity, reducing operating costs and developing high-performing transport teams while maintaining the highest standards of safety, governance and operational performance.

Key Accountabilities & Outputs
Transport Operations
• Lead and manage the day-to-day execution of primary and secondary transport operations to ensure products are delivered safely, efficiently and within agreed service levels.
• Coordinate transport activities across all operational regions to support business and customer requirements.
• Ensure transport schedules are executed in accordance with operational plans and delivery commitments.
• Monitor transport performance throughout the day and implement corrective actions to minimise service disruption.
• Optimise fleet deployment, route execution and transport capacity utilisation.
• Drive operational discipline through adherence to transport policies, procedures and standard operating practices.
• Support the National Distribution Manager in achieving national transport and customer service objectives.

Fleet Performance & Asset Utilisation
• Maximise fleet utilisation and vehicle availability through effective operational planning and fleet management.
• Monitor vehicle productivity, turnaround times and operational performance to improve fleet efficiency.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities with Fleet Maintenance teams to minimise downtime.
• Monitor fleet condition and ensure vehicles remain safe, compliant and operationally ready.
• Analyse fleet performance trends and implement initiatives that improve asset utilisation.
• Promote responsible use and stewardship of fleet assets across the transport operation.
• Drive continuous improvement in fleet performance and operational reliability.

Transport Cost Management
• Develop and manage transport operating budgets in line with business objectives.
• Monitor transport costs, analyse cost drivers and implement initiatives to improve cost efficiency.
• Manage cost per kilometre, cost per case and overall transport expenditure against budget.
• Evaluate transport routes, fleet utilisation and operational performance to identify savings opportunities.
• Monitor transporter costs, fuel usage and fleet productivity to improve financial performance.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Deliver measurable transport cost savings while maintaining customer service and operational standards.

Transport Planning & Network Optimisation
• Lead transport planning activities to ensure efficient route design and vehicle scheduling.
• Optimise transport routes, delivery frequencies and fleet capacity to improve operational performance.
• Improve load utilisation and reduce empty kilometres across the transport network.
• Support transport network reviews to enhance service, reduce costs and improve productivity.
• Collaborate with Planning and Regional Logistics teams to align transport capacity with operational demand.
• Evaluate transport performance using operational data and analytics.
• Drive continuous optimisation of the national transport network.

Carrier & Contractor Management
• Manage the performance of transport contractors and third-party logistics providers against agreed service levels.
• Conduct regular operational and performance reviews with transport partners.
• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and agreed KPIs.
• Support transport procurement, rate negotiations and contract reviews.
• Resolve operational issues impacting transporter performance.
• Build collaborative relationships that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure transport partners consistently deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective services.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with all road transport legislation, company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain oversight of fleet licensing, permits, inspections and legal compliance.
• Monitor driver compliance, vehicle safety and operational risk management.
• Lead investigations into transport incidents, accidents and service failures.
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented to minimise future operational risks.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across all transport operations.
• Support business continuity through effective transport risk management and contingency planning.

Customer Service & Operational Performance
• Drive On-Time In-Full (OTIF) performance through effective transport planning and execution.
• Collaborate with Customer Service, Warehouse Operations and Regional Logistics teams to resolve service issues.
• Monitor customer delivery performance and implement actions to improve service reliability.
• Reduce customer complaints through proactive operational management and continuous improvement.
• Ensure transport activities support customer service agreements and operational commitments.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding transport performance.
• Deliver a transport operation that consistently exceeds customer expectations.

Continuous Improvement & Digital Transformation
• Identify opportunities to improve transport efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
• Lead transport optimisation and cost reduction initiatives.
• Support implementation and enhancement of Transport Management Systems (TMS) and digital transport solutions.
• Leverage operational data and analytics to improve transport performance.
• Promote standardisation of transport processes and operational best practice.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement throughout the transport function.
• Deliver measurable operational and financial improvements across the transport network.

People Leadership & Capability Development
• Lead, coach and develop Regional Transport Controllers, Planners and transport teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Allocate resources and monitor team performance against agreed objectives.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching sessions and development planning.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability and collaboration.
• Identify succession and capability development opportunities across the transport function.
• Drive compliance with company values, behavioural expectations and operational standards.
• Foster a high-performing, customer-focused and safety-conscious transport culture.

Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Sound knowledge of transport legislation, fleet operations and distribution management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Working knowledge of SAP, TMS and transport analytics systems.

Ideal Qualifications
• Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or Business Management.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent Continuous Improvement qualification.
• Project Management certification.
• Transport Management or Fleet Management certification.
• Leadership Development qualification.

Minimum Experience
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in transport and logistics operations.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior transport management role.
• FMCG or beverage industry experience managing primary and secondary transport.
• Experience managing transport budgets, fleet performance and operational KPIs.
• Experience leading transport optimisation initiatives.
• Experience managing third-party logistics providers and transport contractors.
• Experience using SAP, TMS and transport reporting systems.

Ideal Experience
• National distribution network management.
• Fleet optimisation and route engineering.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement implementation.
• Transport network modelling.
• Digital transport transformation projects.
• Multi-site operational leadership.
Core Competencies
• Transport Operations Management
• Fleet Management
• Transport Planning
• Route Optimisation
• Carrier Management
• Cost Management
• Financial Acumen
• Transport Legislation
• SAP / TMS
• Power BI & Data Analytics
• Continuous Improvement
• Customer Service
• Stakeholder Management
• People Leadership
• Operational Excellence

Behavioural Competencies
Strategic Thinking: Develops transport strategies and operational plans that align with business objectives while balancing customer service, cost and operational efficiency.
Leadership: Provides clear direction, develops high-performing teams and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Commercial Acumen: Applies strong commercial judgement to optimise transport costs, maximise fleet productivity and improve overall business performance.
Decision Making: Makes timely, informed decisions based on operational data, business priorities and customer requirements to achieve optimal outcomes.
Analytical Thinking: Uses operational and financial data to identify trends, improve transport performance and support strategic decision-making.
Problem Solving: Proactively identifies transport challenges, investigates root causes and implements practical, sustainable solutions that enhance operational performance.
Customer Focus: Ensures transport operations consistently support excellent customer service through reliable, safe and efficient delivery execution.
Stakeholder Management: Builds collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, transport providers and customers to achieve shared operational objectives.
Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing operational priorities, customer demands and business requirements while maintaining service excellence.
Continuous Improvement: Champions innovation, operational excellence and process optimisation to improve transport efficiency, reduce costs and enhance service delivery.
Results Orientation: Drives the achievement of operational, financial and customer service objectives through disciplined execution, performance management and accountability.