Ocean & Road Freight Manager at CDL Human Resource

The role is responsible for all Nairobi, Malaba and Mombasa Operations, assist the HR office in administrative, HR and financial aspects of the branches, co-ordinate sea & road freight, warehousing and transit operations at Mombasa and upcountry, border stations, ensure compliance with all governments, other stakeholders and customs regulations, maintain proper records in operations files, ensure profitability, keep all Operational costs to the minimum and check disbursements  and approval of invoices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee, develop, and manage and monitor all Ocean and road freight operations.
• To lead and ensure profitability of the Ocean & Road Freight Business
• Identify new opportunities to grow and expand the customer base, actively engage with existing customers to develop our business, and grow our share of wallet.
• To work closely with the sales team, by supporting sales activities including sales calls and making presentations to potential customers.
• Actively manage key stakeholders on various levels both internal and external to drive the success of the Company.
• Manage the team and resources with the aim of achieving and exceeding and exceeding set budgets.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement within the ocean region/country operations team.
• Work closely with Heads of other departments/business units to generate business leads and to resolve any inter-department/business unit issues.
• Provide technical expertise to other departments in cross-department activities/discussions.
• Define, implement, and monitor service and quality standards at all levels.
• Develop strong, sustainable customer relationships as well as ensure prompt response to customer enquiries/complaints.
• Manage to close deals and win customer confidence.
• Provide leadership in the areas of product and business development, resource utilization.
• Facilitate and support efforts in maintaining healthy relationships with trade bodies and government agencies and authorities.
• Negotiate with Carriers/Suppliers according to Company policy and requirements.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies to ensure operations comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Interact with Commercial team on pricing matters and respond to customer RFQs Plan and develop strategies to support achievement of planned business growth.
• Analyse departmental costs and cost structure.
• Prepare department budget.
• Approve all major invoices and ensure billing is done within the set timelines.
• Determine departmental structure, roles and responsibility and performance targets for the function.
• Develop a culture of quality, service excellence (for internal customers), flexibility and cost consciousness.
• Develop KPIs with team members and monitor individual performance.
• Identify training needs and opportunities to develop a highly skilled functional department.
• Ensure compliance with company/ local statutory obligations and customs legislation.
• Implement strategies to fit organizational footprint and design, process optimization and standardization within Ocean Operations.
• Alignment and overall governance of ocean and road operations, standards, and associated set KPIs.
• Manage adherence to operational SOPs, KPIs and regulatory compliance.
• Manage productivity and performance improvement programs through optimization of process, structure in line with company strategy.
• Ensure implementation of digitalization and workflow tools to achieve digital file processing.
• Resolve any arising problems, challenges, or complaints.
• Supervise, coach and train teams.
• Maintain metrics and analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements.
• Develop and maintain supplier/customer relationships to ensure that communication and supply of information is at the highest level both internally and externally.

Requirements

SKILLS REQUIRED

• 10 years (minimum) experience in a similar role.
• Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain management or its equivalent.
• KESRA and EACFFPC certification will be an added advantage.
• In depth knowledge ocean and road freight forwarding.
• Proven experience development of 3PL solutions will be an added advantage
• Strong understanding in the interpretation and applicable of related laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of custom rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of international trading.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent product knowledge.
• Analytical skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Ms Office proficiency.
• Self-reflecting and open to feedback.
• Knows our industry well to understand and spot opportunities.
• Understands and applies financial and productivity measures.
• Creativity in commercial solutions.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including proven abilities to listen, comprehend, effectively communicate clearly and concisely to obtain positive results.
• Role model of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects.
• Proficient in standard logistics software.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage staff