Africa Manager - International Logistics

Job DescriptionOur client is a leading global and logistics company with an international network of 250 offices in over 120 countries. We are looking to recruit an experienced Africa Manager for the Johannesburg Office.Purpose:Africa Agent performance and relationship management, Identifying and addressing potential risks related to shipping, customs, documentation, or other logistical challenges in the Africa trade lanes, keeping the business up-to-date with African countries' trade regulations, customs laws, and import/export requirements, keeping track of market trends, competitor strategies, and changes in African trade, Problem Solving, support operations with route optimizationKey responsibilities of this role:Facilitate the signing up of additional agents where necessaryCultivate strong relationships with agents by fostering trust and cooperationDefine relevant KPIs to measure the performance African agentsSet up a system to evaluate the performance of African agents regularlyHave regular engagements with African agents to foster continuous improvementFacilitate dispute resolution between agents and the operations teamsMaintain open and regular communication with African agents.Risk Management:Ensure the African agents stay up-to-date with international trade regulations, customs laws, and shipping requirements in their countries and they share those updates with BIL in order to avoid potential delays or penaltiesIdentify and address potential risks related to shipping, customs, documentation, or other logistical challengesWhen issues arise, such as delays, damages, or disruptions in the supply chain, find solutions promptly and efficientlyCollaboration on pricing strategy:Collaborate with sales, operations, and Trade Lane to ensure that Africa pricing strategies align with business objectives and profitability targets.Collaborate on pricing strategy development considering market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer demandsConduct regular market research and analysis to monitor competitor pricing, identify emerging trends, and make data-driven pricing decisionsClient Management:Understand client-specific Africa trade needs, and support Business Development and Operations to provide effective solutions to meet their requirementsManaging information and Reporting:Put in place and maintain processes and procedures to ensure accurate upload of Africa information on internal system e.g. CargowiseUtilize relevant Management Information System (e.g.Monthly Dashboard and KPI's) in decision makingInterpret and use information on system delivery from Service Reports and Customer SurveysInterpret and use information from Balanced Scorecard- analyze, interpret trendsPrepare Africa Tradelane and EXCO reports timorouslyDisseminate information to direct reports and ensure it filters down to teamsProvide inputs for the Balanced Scorecard (if required)Ensure confidential information is treated as such and put measures in place to ensure it is treated appropriatelyConduct market research to identify potential trade opportunities, trade patterns, and emerging trends in the African regionMonitor each African trade lane performance, costs, and revenue to ensure profitability and identify areas for improvementOn agreed intervals, prepare the following reports: KPI reports (for agents and tradelanes), country market and industry reports, profitability reports, risk management report, rates trends reportFinancial Responsibility:Achieve Africa budget and forecastMaximize Profits by rate negotiations with suppliers and improving profits where possibleManage cash flows - invoicing, query resolution and collectionMinimize financial wasteSafeguard assetsRequirementsQualifications:MatricTertiary qualification in international supply chain essentialManagement post-graduate qualification will be advantageousAt least 5 years management experienceExperience:Proven experience in business processes design and implementationCommercial expertise including: agent managementAfrica Risk management experience will be advantageousAt least 5 years' relevant experience in the clearing and forwarding industry, with a focus on African tradeIn-depth knowledge of trade regulations, customs procedures, and logistics in the African regionCompetencies:Strong leadership and managerial qualitiesSupply Chain knowledge will be advantageousExcellent communication and negotiation skills to interact with clients and various stakeholdersStrong proven working knowledge of International Forwarding and clearing industry with a focus on African tradeMust be numerateMust be familiar with African customs processesAgent relationship managementWell - developed inter-personal skills coupled with expert written and verbal communicationExcellent negotiation skillsSound Planning and organizational skillsAbility to manage and work under pressureCustomer (internal and external) centricStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisionsMust have a high level of emotional intelligencePerformance Indicators:Client retention and growthMeet internal and external client KPIsAdherence to business processesMinimize financial wasteComplianceMeet ESG targetsMeeting SHERQ objectivesTimely and accurate reportingEfficient resource planning and usageAchieve Africa budget and forecastStakeholder engagement and managementAgent Query ResolutionBenefitsR950K CTCRequirementsQualifications: Secondary Education: Matric (Grade 12) Tertiary Education: B Degree or relevant Post Graduate Qualification Years of experience required: At least 5 to 10 years Sales Experience, preferably in the 3/4 PL and/or Freight Forwarding Industry. Demonstratable ability to manage and lead a team is an advantage Specific experience required: Strong sales experience and ideally has worked in a business development role. Solid working knowledge of sales, business development and strategic selling methodologies. Proven track record in Freight Forwarding, Clearing, Contract Logistics and/or 3/4 PL. E2E Supply Chain experience. Level of computer literacy: Intermediate MS Office and CRM capabilities Drivers license Code: Drivers License (Code 08) Abilities: Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems Supply Chain understanding - the ability to come up with solutions for certain supply chain scenarios Operations Analysis - Understand operations and then have the ability to analyse a clients needs and relay this back to business in an effective manner Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Knowledge: Sales and Marketing - Ability to promote and sell the company's products or services while following the sales process and strategy. Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing a high level of customer service. This includes customer needs assessments, monthly / quarterly reviews and the evaluation of customer satisfaction. Job Requirements: Reliable and responsible with the ability to work unsupervised at times. Attention to detail when completing work tasks A willingness to lead, take charge and offer opinions and direction A willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges The ability to think outside the box (innovate) and look for solutions that will meet the clients needs.