South Africa: Head of Entity posted by Edgexec (Pty) Ltd

Head of Entity | Ivory Coast | Permanent

Lead the launch of a new logistics entity in a fast-growing West African market. Take full ownership for building a high-performing operation from the ground up, with the mandate and backing to make bold decisions and drive sustainable growth.

In this role, you will establish and lead a new logistics business in Ivory Coast, overseeing everything from legal setup and infrastructure through to commercial strategy and operational execution. You will define the vision and roadmap, build the local team, secure facilities and partners, and design end-to-end logistics solutions that support customers across multiple industries. As the senior in-country leader, you will own the P&L, drive revenue and margin growth, and ensure that the business operates efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

You will work closely with regional and global stakeholders to integrate local operations into a broader network, ensuring that warehousing, distribution, intermodal solutions and cross-border services are seamlessly connected. Success will require a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, as you balance entity setup, customer acquisition, operational excellence, and risk management.

Our client is a leading global container shipping and logistics group, headquartered in Asia and operating across more than 90 countries. With a strong presence in Africa and a focus on innovation, sustainability, and integrated supply chain solutions, they are investing in the expansion of their logistics footprint in West Africa. The Head of Entity for Ivory Coast will play a critical role in this growth strategy.

What you will do

• Lead the full establishment of the logistics entity in Ivory Coast, including registration, licensing, infrastructure setup, and operational readiness.
• Identify, secure, and manage office space, warehousing capacity, transport partners, equipment, and supporting services.
• Define and implement the strategic vision, growth roadmap, SOPs, governance frameworks, and KPIs across sales, operations, and finance.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing logistics team, instilling a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer excellence.
• Develop and execute a robust go-to-market strategy to position the business as a key logistics player in Ivory Coast and the broader West Africa corridor.
• Drive business development by identifying, pursuing, and closing opportunities across sectors, leveraging your market knowledge and network.
• Oversee delivery of end-to-end logistics solutions, including warehousing, distribution, intermodal transport (road, rail, sea), and cross-border operations.
• Manage relationships with customers, vendors, port authorities, customs agents, and other key stakeholders to ensure service reliability and operational efficiency.
• Own the P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing models, cost optimisation and profitability management.
• Implement systems and processes to monitor performance, manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement.

What you bring

• 1015+ years experience in logistics, transportation, or supply chain management, including senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record in setting up and/or leading logistics operations in Ivory Coast or the wider West or Southern Africa region.
• Strong understanding of Ivory Coasts logistics landscape, including warehousing, cross-border trade, customs regulations, port operations, and intermodal transport.
• Background in leading logistics or freight companies (for example global 3PLs, freight forwarders, or integrated logistics providers) is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire teams, with strong people leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Solid commercial and financial acumen with hands-on experience in P&L management, pricing, cost modelling, and revenue growth.
• Proficiency in logistics management systems, CRM tools, and data-driven decision-making, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills in multicultural environments, with the ability to build trusted relationships with customers, partners, and authorities.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and commitment to corporate governance, risk management, and ethical business practices.

What success looks like

• The entity is fully established, compliant, and operational, with the required facilities, systems, partners, and team in place within agreed timelines.
• A growing portfolio of customers and robust sales pipeline, with revenue, volume, and margin targets consistently met or exceeded.
• Efficient, reliable, and scalable logistics operations that deliver high service levels, optimised transit times, and competitive cost structures.
• Strong relationships with key customers, vendors, port stakeholders, and regulators, positioning the entity as a trusted logistics partner in Ivory Coast.
• A motivated, capable, and engaged team with clear accountability, strong performance, and low unwanted turnover.
• Continuous improvement culture embedded, with data-driven decisions, streamlined processes, and proactive risk management.
• The Ivory Coast entity recognised as a strategic contributor to the groups broader growth ambitions in West Africa.

This position is open to Ivory Coast nationals or individuals with the legal right to work in Ivory Coast.