Assistant Manager – Cargo And Transport Operations

Job Title: Assistant Manager – Cargo and Transport Operations

Role Objective

To maintain operational excellence across 40+ branch locations. You will be responsible for the "on-time, every-time" movement of cargo, managing the delicate balance between high service levels and low operational costs. This role requires a leader who is as comfortable analyzing a KPI dashboard as they are standing on a loading dock at midnight.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network & Branch Coordination

• Manage operations across multiple branches to ensure seamless cargo handovers.
• Conduct regular branch visits (approx. 40-50% travel) to audit physical processes and mentor branch staff.
• Act as the bridge between the MD’s office and branch-level execution.

2. Delivery & Route Optimization

• Ensure 100% adherence to route schedules and delivery timelines (TAT - Turnaround Time).
• Identify bottlenecks in current routes and propose cost-effective alternatives.
• Manage end-to-end "First Mile to Last Mile" flow to minimize idle time.

3. Performance Management (KRA/KPI)

• Own and report on branch-level metrics: Vehicle Utilization, Loading Efficiency, On-Time Delivery (OTD), and Damage/Shortage ratios.
• Implement corrective actions when a branch falls below the established performance baseline.

4. Financial & Vendor Discipline

• Manage operational budgets; identify and eliminate "leakage" (fuel theft, unnecessary detention charges, etc.).
• Vendor Development: Identify, vet, and onboard new fleet and delivery partners to ensure capacity during peak seasons.
• Negotiate rates with vendors to maintain healthy margins

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Operational Grit: Ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as vehicle breakdowns or labor issues, without losing focus on the daily targets.
• Vendor Negotiation: Strong commercial acumen to handle transporters and local delivery partners.
• Team Leadership: Proven track record of managing field staff across geographically dispersed locations.
• Analytical Mindset: Basic proficiency in Excel/ERP reporting to understand cost-per-kg and route profitability.