Primary Objective:

Our client is looking for an experienced, results-driven Branch Manager to oversee operations in the Western Cape The ideal candidate will have a strong background in shipping and logistics and will be responsible for ensuring the continued growth of the company brand in the local market. You will lead the team in achieving business objectives, managing key customer relationships, and driving profitability while ensuring operational efficiency and exemplary customer service.

The ideal candidate will need to possess strong leadership skills in both commercial and people management and have an entrepreneurial mindset to drive growth and profitability. As the face of the company, the Cape Town branch manager will be responsible for engaging and managing stakeholders, both internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Oversee the management of the Western Cape branch office and contribute to the strategic direction of the company.
• Differentiate the company from competitors through innovative strategies and superior service delivery.
• Optimize revenue generation and cost efficiency across all operations.

Customer Relationship:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key importers, exporters, and other stakeholders.
• Actively support sales staff in their activities, ensuring seamless customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Conduct regular customer visits and calls, maintaining up-to-date CRM records and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reefer customers, ensuring a deep understanding of their specific needs, including temperature-sensitive logistics requirements and time-critical deliveries.
• CRM Management – Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of customer interactions, preferences, and service agreements in the companys CRM system, ensuring transparency and accountability in all customer dealings.

Operational Excellence:

• Manage and monitor export-booking performance, ensuring optimal slot utilization for both laden and empty allocations.
• Oversee equipment supply, claims resolution, and vessel operations to ensure high productivity and service standards from all vendors.
• Provide support for vessel operations, including comprehensive assistance in operational functions as needed.

Refrigerated Cargo responsibilities

• Service Excellence -act as the primary point of contact for reefer customers, ensuring seamless communication and timely resolution of any service issues, including equipment availability, transit schedules, and claims management.
• Proactive Support – provide consultative support to customers by offering insights into best practices for cargo care, innovative shipping solutions, and updates on industry regulations affecting refrigerated goods.
• Business Growth – identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell value-added services, such as temperature monitoring technologies, dedicated reefer equipment, or customized logistics solutions.
• Customer Feedback and Insights – Regularly gather and analyze customer feedback to improve service offerings and maintain a competitive edge in the reefer shipping market.
• Market Intelligence – stay informed on market trends and competitor activities in the reefer segment, sharing relevant insights with customers to strengthen partnerships and build trust.
• Key Account Management – Take ownership of key reefer commercial accounts, ensuring dedicated support and developing tailored solutions to meet complex logistical needs.

Team Management:

• Lead and manage branch staff to maximize productivity while ensuring compliance with labour laws and company procedures.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting professional growth and teamwork.

Marketing and Reporting:

• Oversee marketing, import, export, and operational activities at the branch level.
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports as required.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Strong operational expertise in both import and export freight management.
• Experienced in proactive problem-solving, and the ability to align business strategies with customer needs, all critical for fostering trust and loyalty among reefer customers
• Demonstrable experience in handling reefer cargo and associated complexities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills in a high-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and customer relationship management abilities.
• Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control.

Branch Manager

Core Knowledge & Skills:

1. COMMERCIAL AND OPERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF THE SHIPS AGENCY INDUSTRY.
2. 10 -15 YEARS MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE.
3. HIGH LEVEL OF CUSTOMER / SALES, OPERATIONS AND FREIGHT FOCUS.
4. STRONG LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
5. COMPUTER/SYSTEMS LITERATE.
6. EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF REEFER INDUSTRY.

DUTIES:

1. Manage the Western Cape Agency branch office and participate in the management of the company.

2. Differentiate the agency from competitors in the marketplace.

3. Focus on revenue maximization.

4. Drive to reduce the cost of doing business.

5. Budgets set and maintained.

6. Manage staff complement to achieve best productivity and comply with the relevant Labour laws and procedures.

7. Maintain a positive presence with all importers and exporters and actively support Sales Staff in the execution of their activities.

8. Maintain customer calls/visits and personal relationship with key customers as well as allocated customers, including daily CRM updates and reporting.

9. Manage the export booking performance of the vessels. This includes both laden and empty allocations and targeting best spread with target of full slot utilisation.

10. Oversee equipment supply and claims resolution.

11. Oversee vessel operations to attain best productivity and level of service from both NPA & Transnet and Container Depots.

12. Assist with vessel Ops where necessary with all functions as required back up to vessel operator.

13. Fully conversant with Import and Export freight matters.

14. Strong operational and freight background

15. Strong reefer experience

16. Oversee Marketing, Import, Export & Operations at Branch Level.

17. Daily, weekly and monthly reporting as required and requested.

17. All other matters relevant to Branch Management.