Branch Manager

Purpose of the Job: Overseeing and Managing the Durban Branch in terms of service excellence and profit. To ensure the effective movement of shipments, liaising with shipping lines, customs and transporters. To keep clients updated on their shipments with status reports. To ensure that shipments are cleared timorously, to avoid any unnecessary storage and demurrage while maintaining our core values (Innovation, Respect, Trust, Teamwork, Quality and Integrity) and culture. Key Performance Areas: Human Capital: Assume responsibility and accountability for the performance of the Branch. Interviewing, evaluating, and appointing / hiring of staff on management & supervisory level (Managers) and operational level (controllers and general workforce) Maintaining discipline and upholding productivity standards Business continuation stability and monitoring of processes & staff deviations and dealing with the disciplinary processes where required Promoting teamwork for a friendly & productive environment Managers and Supervisors / Supervisory staff reporting. Operational workforce amount of people approximately 70 (various levels) under the responsibility of the Branch Manager. Planning, organizing, leadership, supervision, and control of the work activities of all subordinates including supervisory & management staff and any other employees. Develop and maintain a high level of moral. Mentorship, guidance, and knowledge sharing (empowering others) Share knowledge, ideas, and innovative thinking with each other. Develop a competent, highly motivated and supported team. Managing & initiating action(s) to prevent occurrences of any non conformities relating to the stipulated processes & procedures. Implementing disciplinary / counselling procedures where required Conducting performance appraisals for all applicable employees within their divisions to ensure constant and a high-performance level. Identifying & recording any problems relating to the processes, procedures, and the Quality System(s) Ensure staff are aware of all developments (head office, branches, network, otherwise) Assist management and staff with problem solving. Initiate, recommend and provide solutions through the respective channels. Strive to continually achieve the following key business drivers and KPIs: o Increase profit per customer. o Access to capital o Positive cash flow o Customer engagement o Customer service excellence o Company brand awareness o Risk management o Continuous systems and process improvements o Building human capital ahead of demand o Ensure all ISO requirements are always implemented & adhere to by all parties. Execute discretion applicable to the day-to-day operational activities and functions (departments and teams) that make up the Branch (Air, Ocean, Road, Invoicing and warehousing) Business Processes and Policies: Developing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining KPIs and performance standards for all division (air / sea / imports / exports) Ensure all staff members are aware of KPIs and the desired performance standards applicable to their functions. Monitoring & measurement of KPIs and performance standards Monitoring performance and ensuring all employees understand their functions, responsibilities, and their interrelation within the organization. Identify where automation, integration and technologies can be implemented to improve the deliverables of the company. Develop new strategies for certain markets, clients, trades, routes, and modes. Analyse trends and data conclusions Analyse client activity, volumes moved, routes in operation, profits, and losses. Ensure all processes are adhered to and QA points are in place. Ensure compliance and accreditation within the ISO system. Close all / any gaps that might be present. Strategic involvement with KAMs (Key Account Manager) and new business sales to establish client opportunities and securing for new or extension business. Execute the vision, mission, strategies, and key business drivers of the company within the division, departments, and various employees. Work without supervision (or limited supervision) to execute the company strategy (ies) / business plans as identified by the Managing Director (CEO) and Board of Directors. Service Providers and the Company Network: Top 20 SP per mode (air / ocean / FCL / LCL / trucking companies) measurement Ensure SLAs (Service Level Agreements) are monitored, measured and up to standard on services received from SPs. Address any deviations / changes on the required level. Identify where automation, integration and technologies can be implemented to improve. Quarterly evaluation & meetings of SPs and to ensure contracts & Standard Terms & Trading Conditions (STTCs) are in place. Ensure competitive buying rates are achieved, harnessed, and passed onto the respective departments Negotiate standardized / better buying rates and extended credit terms with all SPs Appoint new service SPs that are market innovators within the same frameworks as above Blacklist / suspend support to those SPs that are not performing or are problematic or no longer viable Strive for common / same directed support with SPs to ensure all company offices align strategic support for maximum benefit harnessing Client Engagement: Assist in the handover process between Sales & KAMs and operations departments to ensure a smooth and accurate flow Monthly client / SP volume reporting Monthly KAM activity report Audit on client rate structures to ensure they are accurate, sensible, and profitable Update all client & SP contracts into the respective e-folder(s) and update the contract matrixes. Ensure all client & SP contracts are extended, re-signed, or updated upon expiry dates Ensure all client & SP contracts are within the company's framework (legal & otherwise) External client visit(s) where required and opportunities arise. Ensure SLAs are monitored, measured and up to standard on service provided to clients. Address any deviations / changes on the required level Eliminate risks to lose any clients whilst constantly growing the relationship Harness any new processes, strategies, or systems from one client (sector) to another client (sector) clone success View clients as individual business units Pool & apply resources without stretching them too far Identify where automation, integration and technologies can be implemented to improve Financial: Ensure deadlines are met to ensure no financial losses are suffered (update buying rates, route profiles and files for invoicing) Ensure each clients rate increases (annual, contractual, revenue, statutory or otherwise) are completed & implemented within the required time frames, deadlines, and requirements Ensure standardize (but client specific i.e., adapted) pricing structures are in place Updating monthly FCL, LCL, airfreight, fuel surcharges and any other rates. Monitoring weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets Analysis on profit and loss per division as well as cost control Ensure on-time invoicing reporting (billing report) Ensure on-time delivery reporting Ensure on-time query resolutions for debtors & creditors (SPs) Ensure on-time query resolutions CBO and debtors management (customers) Authorizing capital expenditure (CAPEX) Monitoring and authorizing of all expenses & ensure they are kept within the budget All variances must be reported to the Financial / Operations / Managing Director(s) Budgeting and Profit and loss knowledge and experience and trend analysis and forecasting. Budgetary control and expense management. Qualifications Required: Matric (with Mathematics) Diploma/Degree in Logistics Management or in Transport and Supply Chain Management and/or relevant Tertiary equivalent qualification. Experience Required: Minimum 10 Years of Branch Management experience (Complete Financial control, Logistics, all modes and warehouse management) Rates and Estimates Structure. Client services experience (Key Account Management). 10 years of Management level experience at a Senior Level Knowledge and Skills Required: Knowledge of: Core mode (air / sea / road freight) fundamental principles. Ocean (FCL, LCL, RORO, BB) and Air forwarding procedures. Ocean (FCL, LCL, RORO, BB) and Air clearing procedures. Warehouse (all aspects) Import and Export procedures. Financials (budgets). Human Resources / People management. Carrier (airlines & shipping lines) processes and procedures (requirements). Transporter and network processes and procedures (requirements). Customer liaison. Disputes, resolutions, and settlements. Company rate / pricing structure(s). Service provider(s) rate / pricing structure(s). Alternatives available within the service offerings and sectors. Industry relatedness and the type of services offered. How activities can be priced. Market powers. Skills Required: Computer Skills. System & software literacy. o MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint, MS-Outlook. o ILS (In House systems). o Ship Shape o L-Shipping (In House systems). Mathematical analysis. Trend analysis. Leadership skills Negotiation skills Management skills Time management. Customer engagement Query Resolutions Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent communication skills Balance finely between objectivity and subjectivity Think strategic & solution orientated Change losses (risks) into profits (opportunities) Remove losses (processes or other) that do not work or contribute Well organized administered to solve problems and simplify matters Evaluation of work importance: o Deadlines. o Service Level Agreements. o Timelines within operations environments (shipments) Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes: Propensity to own Propensity to hand off Disciplined Resilient Frustration Handling Conflict Handling Problem Solving Responsiveness Self-confidence People Positive Attention to detail and Accuracy Professional and Presentable at all times Remain calm and collected when handling Pressure