Perishable Exports Operations Manager at AAA Growers

Job Purpose

• The Perishables (Exports) Ground Handling Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the Perishables (Exports) Ground Handling Department. The role ensures that all perishable ground handling logistics activities, customs declaration & documentation processes are conducted efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with the organisation policies and industry regulations. The position leads a team to deliver targets and continuously improve and innovate processes to achieve the organisation's growth targets.

Key Responsibilities
Operations Management

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to grow the Ground Handling Perishable Exports Department.
• Provide leadership and direction to the team ensuring alignment with organisation objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of the Perishables (Exports) Ground Handling processes, including logistics, customs clearance / declaration, and documentation.
• Oversee and monitor daily performance of all PER handling operations processes while optimizing resources provided.
• Establish processes and tools for tracking, goal monitoring, and forecasting regarding inbound and outbound shipments.
• Establish SLA and goals for fulfilment: speed, accuracy, processing time and compliance.
• Proactively communicate operations related changes and limitations to leadership with recommendations
• Implement systems and automate processes to find efficiency in operational tasks.
• Actively identify, document and lead opportunities to continuously enhance efficiency and quality services delivered by external and internal partners as well as other business stakeholders.
• Setting clear standards for the vendors (Ground Handling Agents, Airlines & Freight Forwarders) to deliver agreed KPIs consistently. 
• Supervise and ensure CW1 Ground Handling Perishable Exports related roles are adhered to by all the teams.
• Develop implement and review operations SOP to improve internal processes and ensure adherence with the different carriers’ SOPs.
• Advise the management on areas of improvement to increase efficiency in service delivery.
• Maintain an internal training schedule for both teams to ensure compliance

Compliance and Reporting

• Establish and maintain business relations with service providers and all local and international stakeholders
• Oversee and coach the declaration teams on customs and other statutory areas. 
• Lead in clarifying and resolving any customs related issues 
• Advising clients on developments / new regulations involving customs and other regulatory bodies.
• Spearhead timely audit and renewal of certifications related to Perishables (Exports) Ground Handling Department.

Relationship management

• Liaise with service providers via quarterly meetings to understand issues and barriers to meeting performance targets and driving future improvements.
• Establish professional relationships with vendors and suppliers to develop new business partnerships.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate updates are relayed.
• Collaborate with the customer service and business development teams to understand and meet customer requirements in line with established industry standards and or SLAs.
• Foster inter-departmental collaborations for efficiency in service delivery.

Team leadership

• Lead and supervise a team of professionals, including documentation- declaration and Ground Handling Perishable Exports staff.
• Coach and mentor the team on operational management.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team performance.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and manage monthly duty roasters for the Ground Handling Perishable Exports department.
• Any other role assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience required for this role

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Finance, Economics, Commerce or equivalent qualification
• Minimum of 8 years working experience in business development, logistics, transport or supply chain management, three of which should be in leading strong operations teams.
• Demonstrate experience in people management, budgets and strategic planning.
• Good knowledge and experience in customs and shipment guidelines
• Knowledge of Cargo wise ERP System is an added advantage
• Certification/Membership
• IATA Air Cargo Certification
• Certification in Cargo wise system
• BUP Handling Certificate
• AVSEC awareness
• DG Handling CAT 7.2/7.4

Role Related Competencies (Behavioural Indicators):

• Good relationship management skills
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills
• Good coaching and mentoring skills
• Effective project management skills.
• Advanced knowledge in Ground Handling processes for Perishable Exports 
• Advance knowledge in aircraft specific BUP requirements
• Capability to develop improvement plans.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve.
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to seek out, listen and value inputs from all levels in the organization.
• Ability to exercise professionalism, courtesy and tact.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of set revenue & SLA targets for Ground Handling Perishable (Exports) Department
• Management of Stakeholder relations
• Adherence to laid down procedures and regulations i.e. carriers, GHAs, KRA etc.
• Time taken to make decisions and implement them.
• Customer retention and satisfaction
• Team productivity and quality of work
• Continuous improvement initiatives implemented and operations processes