Head of Courier Express & Freight

The Head of CEF is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and overall performance of the organization’s delivery and logistics network.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Operations Management

• Strategy Development: Design and implement long-term strategies to scale delivery operations, expand service areas, and improve delivery speeds.

• Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day courier operations, including dispatch, routing, warehousing, and fleet maintenance.

• Process Optimization: Continuously analyze workflows to identify bottlenecks; implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maximize efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

• Technology Integration: Lead the adoption of logistics technology (e.g., TMS, route optimization software, real-time tracking apps) to digitize operations and improve data visibility.

2. Fleet & Logistics Management

• Fleet Strategy: Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and lifecycle management of the vehicle fleet.

• Contractor Management: Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, vehicle leasing companies, and maintenance vendors.

• Last-Mile Delivery: Develop innovative solutions for the "last mile" to ensure timely delivery in high-density or difficult-to-access areas.

3. Financial Management

• Budgeting: Develop and manage the operational budget, ensuring strict control over costs, ops maintenance, and labor expenses.

• Cost Analysis: Monitor Cost Per Delivery (CPD) and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality.

• Revenue Growth: Collaborate with the sales team to develop competitive pricing models and service level agreements (SLAs) for clients.

4. Team Leadership, Staff Management & Discipline

• Workforce Planning & Rostering:

• Manage shift scheduling and rostering for a diverse workforce (full-time drivers, contractors, dispatchers) to ensure coverage during peak and off-peak times.

• Monitor attendance and absenteeism rigorously; implement contingency plans for unexpected staff shortages to prevent service disruption.

• Recruitment & Onboarding:

• Oversee the recruitment lifecycle for drivers and logistics staff, ensuring strict vetting (background checks, driving records, drug screening).

• Facilitate comprehensive onboarding programs that cover company values, delivery protocols, and technology usage.

• Performance Management:

• Set individual KPIs (e.g., deliveries per hour, zero-error rates) and conduct regular performance reviews.

• Implement Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for underperforming staff, providing coaching and retraining where necessary.

• Discipline & Code of Conduct:

• Policy Enforcement: Strictly enforce the Driver Code of Conduct, including adherence to uniform/grooming standards, vehicle cleanliness, and road safety laws.

• Conflict Resolution: Act as the primary mediator for internal disputes (e.g., between dispatchers and drivers) to maintain a cohesive and disciplined work environment.

5. Business Development & Commercial Growth

• B2B Client Acquisition: Spearhead initiatives to identify and secure contracts with high-volume clients, such as e-commerce platforms, retail chains, medical laboratories, and corporate offices.

• Service Expansion: Design and launch new revenue-generating service tiers to capture new market segments.

• Strategic Partnerships: Negotiate and form alliances with e-commerce aggregators, warehousing partners, or cross-border logistics firms to expand geographic reach.

• Key Account Management: Act as the executive sponsor for major enterprise clients, ensuring high retention rates and identifying opportunities for up-selling .

• Market Intelligence: Monitor competitor pricing, service offerings, and market trends to adjust the commercial strategy and maintain a competitive edge.

6. Freight Management

• Line-Haul & Bulk Transport: Oversee the movement of heavy, bulk, or palletized goods between distribution centers and major hubs, ensuring efficient load consolidation to maximize vehicle utility.

• Intermodal Logistics: Manage multimodal transport requirements (air, sea & road) for international or long-distance shipments, ensuring seamless handovers between carriers.

• Customs & Documentation: Ensure compliance with all customs regulations, import/export documentation, and tariff classifications for cross-border freight.

• Carrier Negotiation: Negotiate favorable rates and service contracts with freight forwarders to reduce shipping costs for larger consignments.

• Cargo Security: Implement rigorous security protocols for high-value freight, including seal integrity checks and GPS tracking of containers.

7. Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with local transportation laws, labor regulations, and environmental standards.

• Customer Experience: Monitor customer feedback and resolve escalated delivery issues; ensure the team maintains a professional image as the "face" of the company.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.

Experience:

• 7–10+ years of experience in logistics, courier services, or supply chain management.

• 3+ years in a senior leadership or management role.

• Proven experience managing large fleets and diverse teams (drivers, warehouse staff, admin).

• Demonstrated success in business development or sales within the logistics sector.

• Experience managing freight forwarding or line-haul operations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Logistics Software: Proficiency with Transport Management Systems (TMS), route planning software, and ERP systems.

• Conflict Management: Strong ability to handle disciplinary issues and difficult conversations with firmness and fairness.

• Commercial Acumen: Ability to identify market opportunities and close high-value deals.

• Freight Knowledge: Understanding of incoterms, bill of lading procedures, and customs clearance.

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex data to drive decision-making.

• Crisis Management: Ability to make quick decisions under pressure.