Transportation Assistant Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Transportation Assistant Manager to lead and optimize our cold chain trucking division. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the cold chain trucking business, with deep expertise in managing temperature-controlled fleets, ensuring SOP compliance, and leading a high-performing team of drivers.

This is a critical role responsible for guaranteeing the integrity, safety, and timely delivery of temperature-sensitive goods for our key clients, ensuring our operations meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

1. Operations & Fleet Management

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day cold chain transportation operations, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery and service excellence.
• Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling temperature-sensitive cargo (e.g., pre-cooling, loading, in-transit monitoring, unloading).
• Ensure the entire cold chain fleet (reefer trucks, trailers) is maintained, calibrated, and compliant with all safety and temperature standards.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team for preventative maintenance schedules and emergency repairs of cooling units and vehicles.

2. Driver Management

• Lead, train, and manage the performance of the entire cold chain driver team.
• Ability to create schemes to encourage and manage driver performance to achieve KPIs and SLAs.
• Implement and monitor driver performance metrics (KPIs) focusing on safety, compliance (e.g., driving hours), and fuel efficiency.
• Ensure all drivers are thoroughly trained on cold chain protocols, product handling, food safety standards (if applicable), and emergency procedures.
• Manage driver scheduling, route assignments, and daily operational dispatch.

3. System & Compliance Management

• Ability to advise on, source, and manage IT and Systems for the cold chain business.
• Utilize and master the cold chain transportation system (TMS, telematics, and temperature data loggers) to monitor fleet performance in real-time.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all cold chain compliance, internal/external audits, and quality assurance.
• Investigate and resolve any temperature deviations, vehicle breakdowns, or service failures, implementing robust corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
• Ensure 100% compliance with all government regulations related to transportation and temperature-sensitive goods.

4. Performance & Cost Optimization

• Analyze transportation costs, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies for route optimization and cost reduction.
• Prepare and present regular management reports on operational performance, KPIs, budget adherence, and incidents.
• Collaborate with the commercial and customer service teams to ensure client requirements are met and to support new business acquisition.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Must have a minimum of 5 years of proven managerial experience specifically within the cold chain trucking business or temperature-controlled logistics.
• Driver Management: Demonstrable, hands-on experience in driver management, including training, performance evaluation, and discipline.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of cold chain transportation systems, telematics (GPS), and temperature monitoring technology.
• Knowledge: Excellent understanding of cold chain SOPs, reefer unit operations, regulatory requirements, and quality standards (e.g. GDP, or HACCP).
• Leadership: Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to perform under pressure.
• Software: Proficient in Microsoft Office and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in transporting specific temperature-sensitive goods (e.g., pharmaceuticals, vaccines, fresh produce, or quick-service restaurant products).
• Existing network of reliable drivers and vendors in the logistics industry.

If you're ready to take the next step in your logistics career, we encourage you to apply now.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to send their comprehensive resume to:

recruitment-

Please use the following format for the email subject line:

Subject: Application - Transportation Assistant Manager - [Your Full Name]