Cross Border Fleet Manager

A leading logistics and supply chain provider is seeking an experienced Cross Border Fleet Manager to lead and optimise their cross-border fleet operations across Southern Africa. The company operates road freight and transport solutions throughout the SADC region and is strengthening its operational leadership to improve fleet performance, compliance, safety, utilisation and profitability.

Purpose of the Role

To lead and optimise the performance, compliance, safety, utilisation and profitability of the company's crossborder fleet operations across Southern Africa.

The Role

The Cross Border Fleet Manager will be responsible for the overall management of fleet performance, crossborder transport execution, driver management, maintenance planning, fuel control, compliance, customer service and operational profitability. The successful candidate must have deep experience in cross-border fleet management, SADC corridors, border processes, driver performance, transport legislation and operational cost control.

Fleet Operations Management

• Manage the daily performance of the company's cross-border fleet.

• Ensure maximum fleet utilisation, productivity and operational readiness.

• Oversee route planning, scheduling, load execution and delivery performance.

• Monitor fleet performance against agreed operational and financial targets.

• Implement fleet optimisation initiatives to reduce downtime and improve profitability.

• Ensure transport operations are executed safely, efficiently and in line with customer expectations.

Cross-Border Operations

• Manage transport operations across the SADC region and key cross-border corridors.

• Monitor border crossing performance, transit times and route challenges.

• Ensure all transport permits, licences, documentation and country-specific requirements are in place.

• Work closely with clearing, operations and customer service teams to minimise delays.

• Identify recurring operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.

• Ensure compliance with customs, border, road transport and regulatory requirements.

Driver and Team Management

• Lead, manage and support drivers, fleet coordinators and related operational staff.

• Monitor driver performance, productivity, behaviour, route discipline and compliance.

• Drive a culture of safety, accountability and professional conduct.

• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, training and disciplinary processes where required.

• Ensure drivers follow company procedures, customer site requirements and road safety standards.

Fleet Maintenance and Asset Management

• Oversee preventative maintenance planning and ensure vehicles are serviced according to schedule.

• Monitor breakdowns, vehicle downtime, repair costs and maintenance trends.

• Coordinate with workshops, service providers and internal teams to ensure vehicle availability.

• Ensure all vehicles, trailers and equipment meet safety and compliance standards.

• Support asset planning and fleet replacement recommendations where required.

Fuel, Cost Control and Profitability

• Monitor fuel consumption, route costs, driver behaviour and operating expenses.

• Identify cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service levels and safety standards.

• Monitor profitability by vehicle, route, customer or corridor where applicable.

• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial performance reviews.

• Ensure fleet operations contribute positively to company profitability.

Compliance, Safety and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with transport legislation, road traffic regulations and internal company policies.

• Monitor vehicle licences, permits, roadworthiness, insurance and regulatory documentation.

• Promote health, safety, security and environmental compliance across fleet operations.

• Investigate incidents, accidents, delays and service failures, and implement corrective actions.

• Support internal and external audits when required.

Customer Service and Stakeholder Management

• Ensure transport service levels are achieved and customer expectations are met.

• Work with customer service and commercial teams to resolve operational challenges.

• Provide operational feedback and performance updates to management.

• Support business growth by ensuring reliable, professional and cost-effective fleet operations.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 10 years' experience managing cross-border transport operations.

• Minimum 5 years in a senior fleet management role.

• Strong knowledge of SADC transport corridors, border operations and route planning.

• Proven experience managing drivers, fleet staff, vehicles, trailers and service providers.

• Strong understanding of transport legislation, permits, vehicle compliance and safety requirements.

• Strong financial understanding of fleet costs, fuel management and fleet profitability.

• Excellent leadership, planning, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Valid driver's licence.

Desirable Experience

• Experience managing cross-border transport operations within Southern Africa.

• Experience working within logistics, transportation, freight forwarding or supply chain environments.

• Experience with fleet management systems, tracking systems, telematics and transport optimisation tools.

• Exposure to transport operations serving mining, FMCG, manufacturing, retail, industrial or agricultural

sectors.

Key Competencies

• Strong operational leadership.

• High level of discipline and accountability.

• Strong problem-solving under pressure.

• Commercial and cost-control mindset.

• Strong driver management and people leadership.

• Excellent planning and coordination skills.

• Strong customer service orientation.

Key Performance Indicators

• Vehicle utilisation

• Fleet profitability

• Fuel efficiency

• Transit time performance

• Border crossing performance

• Driver productivity and compliance

• Maintenance compliance and vehicle availability

• On-time delivery performance

• Safety performance

• Customer satisfaction

Travel Requirements

Regular customer visits and operational site visits within South Africa and, where applicable, the SADC region may be required depending on business needs.

Will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

This opportunity is being managed exclusively by Apexire — South Africa's specialist AI-powered recruitment partner for logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain and sales roles.

We connect exceptional talent with leading companies in the industry. All applications and candidate

information are handled with strict confidentiality.

To apply: Submit your CV and cover letter to ***email_hidden***.

The company is committed to considering candidates fairly and professionally in line with business

requirements and applicable employment practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity,

professionalism, accountability and the ability to contribute to the company's next phase of growth.