Country Manager - Freight Forwarding

Job Context

• To lead and manage the profitable development of the Business to ensure its objective and to capture all opportunities for profitable growth.
• To develop an effective working relationship with all stakeholders and provide the vision, leadership, and strategic direction that the business needs to achieve its goals and collaborate with the management team to execute the goals and achieve the mission and vision of the organization.

KPAs (Key Performance Areas)
Business Planning, Performance and Development:

• Responsible for driving the strategy in-country, developing, and preparing of short- and long-term plans and budgets to reach growth objectives.
• In collaboration with the regional Commercial team, drive the implementation of the commercial pipeline and plan.
• Lead and execute the success of the business through strategic planning and market analysis to ensure that we are ahead of market conditions.
• Integrate the branches with the wider FF-SSA and global networks within the DP-World community.
• Builds strong relationships with key customers/suppliers to ensure an understanding of each other’s business strategies.

Tactical Knowledge:

• Oversee the setup of local operations, identifying risks and challenges associated with entering new market and adapting the business practices and products to suit the local market and culture.
• Possess in-country air and ocean product knowledge and ensure that as a country, the relevant technology and architecture is obtained to execute the overall business strategy.
• Understand and implement local customs clearing practices in line with the local revenue authority’s standards.
• Air and Ocean product knowledge to guide shipment planning, development of new product solutions etc.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with the shipping and logistics operations.
• Coordinating with Branch Managers and overall Operations team to ensure timely delivery & superior services to customers.
• Collaborating with Trade Lane Managers & Sales team to support customer development and retention management including own sales activities followed by implementation of new or existing customers.

Technical Knowledge:

• General management accountability, including profit and loss, balance sheet accountability.
• Setting and approving budgets and profitability of the business.
• Achieve of financial targets as per budget.
• Monitor financial performance and implement cost-control measures.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Freight Forwarding industry and Incoterms.
• Drive the implementation, compliance and updating of systems architecture to ensure operational excellence.
• Supports the Regional Operations team in continuous improvement of the operational processes and systems.

People Development:

• Collaborate with the People and Culture team to ensure that the required skills and talent are obtained to support business success.
• Build people capability – sets an example for management team to “act as an owner” of business.
• Motivate, develop, and coach management team and holds them accountable for doing the same with their teams.
• In conjunction with HR, provides a holistic employee value proposition programme to attract and retain talent.
• Set performance objectives for the team as well as manage and conduct performance reviews inn accordance with policies and procedures and take corrective action where necessary.
• Clearly communicates the DP World Freight Forwarding strategy and vision at a global and regional level.
• Evaluates existing strategies and plans against changing market landscape to ensure maximum productivity, profitability, and efficiency within the Company.
• Drive and supports a culture of innovation and idea generation.
• Ensure the Operating Company structure is aligned to the Freight Forwarding SSA objectives.

General:

• Conducts regular visits to all branches in the country of operation.
• Meetings – either lead or attend all meetings relevant to this position.
• International travel will be required to visit business partners and clients.
• Keep management abreast of major developments in business and the industry

Other:

• Responsible for the management and leadership of an engaged team, promoting collaboration and ensuring that each is developed and evaluated against goals and objectives which are aligned, specific, measurable, attainable yet challenging, realistic and time bound.
• Act as an ambassador for DP World at all times when working; promoting and demonstrating positive behaviours in harmony with DP World’s Principles, values and culture; ensuring the highest level of safety is applied in all activities; understanding and following DP World’s Code of Conduct and Ethics policies.
• Full leadership accountability for strategic and tactical plans to ultimately result in growth in market share, increased volumes, profit and to meet and exceed set goals.
• Responsible for building a strong winning culture, leading with change and building capability in the organization and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
• The Country Manager will make recommendations on long-term strategies for business growth.
• To create a culture of high performing teams, grounded in the core values of the organization to ensure high employee engagement.
• Achieve and exceed financial targets.
• Accurate and up to date reporting to executive management.
• Proactively manage internal and external risk to the company and Group.
• Promote and uphold Imperial/DP World brand and values.
• Seek to develop new products and exploit market opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications Required

• 4-year Degree in Supply Chain or relevant stream.

Experience and Skills Required:

• 6 - 8 years international clearing and forwarding experience is required of which at least 3 - 4 years should have been in a senior executive position.
• Excellent business acumen.
• Sound knowledge of industry legislation.
• Interpretation of financial statements.
• Must take ownership of the position and be able to work without supervision.
• Must be able to drive continuous improvement and process excellence initiatives.
• Willingness to acquire new skills, gain knowledge and share best practices.
• Excellent communicator with strong presentation skills.
• Must work well under pressure and adhere to deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
• Must be computer literate with above average proficiency in MS Packages.
• Excellent time keeping is essential to this position.
• Must foster an environment of open dialogue and change.
• Integrity, honesty, and the ability to sell an inspiring strategic vision is paramount to this role.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:

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