Transport Manager – Global Trade Operations

About the role

The Transport Manager is a commercial, customer‑facing role responsible for the growth, management and operational performance of Maersk’s Middle Mile Transport product across South Africa. You will lead daily transport activities, ensuring safe, reliable execution across port, containerised, linehaul and distribution operations.

Key responsibilities

• Own P&L for the transport product, driving cost, productivity and revenue targets.
• Lead daily transport planning, routing, scheduling, dispatch and execution for port, linehaul, closed and regional distribution.
• Manage vendor relationships, SLAs and contract compliance while optimizing network load balance.
• Oversee demurrage and detention exposure, monitoring free‑time utilisation and taking corrective actions.
• Serve as operational point of contact for key clients and supervise a team of transport supervisors and planners.
• Support implementation and execution of Maersk’s global Transport Management System (TMS) for new contracts.

Required profile

• 10+ years in transport or distribution centre management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in cross‑border transport, including compliance, documentation and border procedures.
• Strong understanding of transport risk management, especially demurrage, detention and capacity constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to translate commercial strategy into operational execution.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.

Required skills

• Transport Management System (TMS) implementation

What we offer

Joining Maersk means becoming part of a global family that moves 20% of world trade daily, with a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and employee development.