Transport & Freight Operations Manager

POSITION TITLE: Transport & Freight Operations Manager

FUNCTION/DEPARTMENT: Transport Department

REPORTS TO: C&F Manager

DOTTED LINE: Branch Manager - Mombasa

DIRECTREPORTS/ SUPERVISES: Transport Supervisor, Transport Coordinators, Transport Clerks & Admin

To lead and manage the Company's transport operations by ensuring the efficient planning, allocation, execution and monitoring of transport activities while optimizing fleet utilization, managing transporter relationships, ensuring regulatory compliance, controlling transport costs and delivering exceptional customer service in line with operational and commercial objectives.

• Imports & Port Operations Manager

• Commercial Department

• Customer Service Team

• Customs Clearance Team

• Finance Department

• Warehouse & Yard Operations

• QHSE Department

• Transporters

• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

• Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)

• Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

• Border Authorities

• Security Agencies

• Customers

• Lead the planning, coordination and execution of all transport operations to ensure timely cargo movement and service delivery.

• Develop transport schedules, allocate resources and monitor execution to maximize fleet utilization and operational efficiency.

• Ensure daily transport activities are executed in accordance with customer requirements and operational priorities.

• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions to resolve delays and service disruptions.

• Optimize truck allocation, route planning and transporter utilization to improve operational efficiency and reduce transport costs.

• Monitor transporter performance, equipment availability and capacity planning to meet customer demand.

• Ensure effective planning of loading schedules, departures and delivery timelines.

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with transport service providers to ensure reliable and cost-effective transport solutions.

• Evaluate transporter performance against agreed service levels and contractual obligations.

• Support transporter onboarding, qualification and performance improvement initiatives.

• Participate in rate negotiations to improve transport cost competitiveness.

• Ensure compliance with all transport-related customs documentation and statutory requirements, including T1s, Exit Notes, T812 documentation and transit regulations.

• Monitor changes in customs regulations and implement operational changes where required.

• Ensure transport documentation is processed accurately and within required timelines.

• Coordinate closely with Commercial, Customer Service, Customs and Warehouse teams to ensure seamless transport execution.

• Ensure customer queries, transport exceptions and operational issues are resolved promptly.

• Maintain proactive communication with customers regarding shipment status and delivery performance.

• Prepare and present daily, weekly and monthly transport performance reports.

• Monitor transport costs, transporter buying rates and operational KPIs to identify improvement opportunities.

• Analyse operational performance trends and recommend initiatives that improve efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction.

• Lead, coach and develop the transport team to achieve operational excellence.

• Conduct performance reviews and ensure individual objectives align with departmental goals.

• Promote continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, compliance and service delivery.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and operational discipline.

• Transport operations management

• Fleet planning and optimization

• Customs and transit procedures

• Leadership and people management

• Commercial and financial awareness

• Negotiation and vendor management

• Operational planning

• Data analysis and reporting

• Customer relationship management

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Communication and stakeholder management

• Continuous improvement

• Organised

• Natural Leader

• Team player

• Self-Starter

• Problem Solver

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

• Strong understanding of clearing & forwarding, customs procedures and regional transit operations.

• Working knowledge of KRA, KPA, URA and regional customs systems.

• ERP and transport management system experience is highly desirable.