Transport Manager

About the role:
Red Star Wholesale is looking for an experienced Transport Manager to lead our Gauteng transport operation and drive operational excellence across fleet, people, service delivery, compliance, and cost management. This is a senior operational leadership role responsible for delivering a safe, reliable, and cost-effective transport operation through the optimisation of fleet availability, driver productivity, route execution, service levels, and transport expenditure. The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring that transport operations consistently meet customer requirements while maintaining strong financial, safety, and regulatory controls. If you are a results-driven transport professional with a proven track record of managing fleets, leading teams, and improving operational performance in a fast-paced distribution environment, we invite you to apply.

What you'll do:
Operational Leadership Leading all transport operations to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective service delivery. Managing fleet availability and utilisation to meet operational and customer requirements. Driving route execution and delivery performance while maintaining service standards. Ensuring effective vehicle scheduling, resource planning, and operational continuity. Managing relationships with service providers, contractors, and suppliers. Investigating and resolving operational challenges, incidents, and customer service concerns. Implementing continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and productivity. Fleet and Cost Management Managing transport budgets and expenditure, including fuel, maintenance, repairs, tyres, vehicle hire, and labour costs. Monitoring and improving key operational cost drivers, including: Cost per kilometre Fuel consumption Tyre performance Fleet utilisation Vehicle downtime Breakdown trends Driving efficiencies that improve operational performance while maintaining service delivery standards. People Leadership Leading, coaching, and developing drivers and transport support teams. Managing workforce planning, performance management, employee development, and discipline. Building a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, customer service, and operational excellence. Conducting regular driver performance reviews and debrief sessions. Compliance and Risk Management Ensuring compliance with all transport legislation, company policies, licensing requirements, PDPs, and COFs. Managing driver safety, vehicle compliance, and operational risk. Investigating incidents, accidents, insurance claims, and implementing corrective actions. Ensuring accurate operational reporting and governance controls are maintained.

What you bring:
Minimum Requirements Grade 12. Relevant tertiary qualification in Transport Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field. Minimum 5 to 7 years' experience in a transport or logistics environment. Proven management experience leading drivers, fleet operations, and operational support teams. Experience managing transport budgets, operational costs, and performance metrics. Strong understanding of transport legislation, fleet compliance, and regulatory requirements. Knowledge and Experience Strong transport industry knowledge with demonstrated operational leadership experience. Experience working with route planning, telematics, transport management systems, and operational reporting.