Transport & Freight Operations Manager

Role Overview

This position is responsible for directing the daily movement of goods across our transport network, from planning loads and assigning trucks to tracking cargo through customs and inland transit. By keeping schedules tight, costs under control, and transporters accountable, this role ensures that customer commitments are met and the company's commercial targets are protected. It sits at the intersection of operations, compliance, customer service, and fleet economics, requiring a hands-on leader who can solve problems quickly while improving long-term performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and direct the full transport cycle — truck scheduling, route assignments, loading plans, departures, and delivery tracking — so cargo moves on time and in line with customer priorities.
• Manage a mix of in-house assets and third-party transporters, assessing service quality against agreed KPIs and taking corrective action when performance slips.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with transport providers, including onboarding, qualification, and participating in rate discussions to keep buying costs competitive.
• Ensure all customs-related documentation (T1s, exit notes, T812s, transit paperwork) is complete, accurate, and submitted within regulatory deadlines.
• Monitor regulatory changes across Kenya, Uganda, and the region, and adjust operating procedures to maintain full compliance with customs authorities and transit legislation.
• Act as the operational point of contact for customers and internal teams, resolving shipment exceptions and providing proactive status updates on cargo movement.
• Track transport costs, buying rates, fleet utilisation, and service KPIs; prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports that highlight trends and improvement areas.
• Lead the transport team through coaching, performance reviews, and goal setting, while championing process improvements that drive efficiency and service quality.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience & Education: A bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, transport management, business administration, or a related field.
• Years of Experience: At least 5–7 years in transport or logistics operations, with a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Industry Knowledge: Practical clearing and forwarding experience, including customs documentation, transit procedures, and familiarity with KRA, KPA, URA, and regional customs systems.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with ERP and transport management systems; strong ability to analyse data, build reports, and influence decisions with insights.
• Leadership & Commercial Skills: Proven experience leading teams, negotiating with transporters, and managing transport costs or operational budgets.
• Core Competencies: Strong operational planning, problem-solving, communication, stakeholder management, and customer relationship skills.
• Personal Attributes: Organised, self-starting, naturally hands-on leader who is comfortable in fast-moving operational environments and committed to continuous improvement.