General Manager

Our client, a well-established company providing market leading Logistics and transportation solutions across the region is recruiting for a General Manager to join their team in Zambia.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategy and lead the Supply Chain Planning, Scheduling and Logistics components of the Company’s Business
• Build company organization structure, define roles, hire and track KPI performance of each division and team member.
• Understand, define, development & implementation Logistics processes with a focus on rail, road and sea routes.
• Establish policies and standard work procedures in inventory, delivery, distribution, and customer services.
• Monitor conformance of practices against company policies and standard work procedures using data analytics.
• Ensure effective management of inventory and assets in relation to business profitability.
• Manage logistics contracts; ensure quality delivery performance with cost consciousness and provide input and support within contract negotiations (Class1, Connecting Carriers, Local Switching).
• Communicate across all internal and external business partners to identify cost drivers and identify the most efficient processes and procedures across the organization and optimize cross-departmental interaction regarding logistics activities.
• Work with external vendors to establish Supply Chain solutions and partnerships including service levels agreements.
• Evaluate logistics related opportunities and design, create and implement solutions with established metrics programs to measure performance.
• Solve problems by considering courses of action within the framework of management goals and standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, seeking field feedback, and tracking results.
• Direct availability and allocation of materials, supplies, and finished products.
• Work to optimize warehouse and deployment schedules, carrier equipment, mode, lane costs, and customer on time delivery.
• Work closely with sales to link forecasts to purchasing and inventory management. Identify areas for cost reductions and implement strategies for cost reduction and containment.
• Communicate with customers and company associates on a regular basis to ensure uninterrupted product supply.
• Optimize deliveries by planning efficient and cost-effective routes.
• Coordinate with remote distribution centers to identify and resolve inventory overstock issues.
• Align with Managements budget and service goals.
• Stay current on the transportation management systems abilities and shortcomings.
• Conduct meetings to ensure that team goals and projects are achieved according to established guidelines, procedures and policies.
• Daily communications on exceptions, changes to the facility transport environment, problem resolution and of equipment service needs.

Skills

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage large teams across various departments.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure environments.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align operations with business goals.
• Ability to analyze financial reports and identify areas to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and partners.
• Excellent negotiation skills for securing contracts, rates, and partnerships with vendors and clients.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a focus on adapting to market changes.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA) is often preferred for senior management roles.
• 5–10 years of experience in logistics, supply chain management, or transportation, with a minimum of 3–5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale logistics operations or transportation companies.
• Familiarity with Zambian transport regulations, customs laws, and import/export procedures.
• Experience in using technology and software for logistics management (e.g., ERP systems, TMS—Transportation Management Systems).