Business Area Manager – Contract Logistics

DSV - Global Transport and Logistics

. Manage the overall performance of the Tier 1 client account under Contract Logistics in South Africa, including inbound airfreight .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timePretoria • South AfricaSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing Tier 1 client accounts within Contract Logistics, focusing on operational performance, financial control, and client satisfaction. Proven ability to lead teams, drive continuous improvement, and develop strategic solutions tailored to the Automotive industry.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Logistics Management DegreeAutomotive Production Logistics ExperiencePeople Management SkillsContract Management SkillsProject Management Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Advanced Computer LiteracyWMS ExperienceBudgeting SkillsStock Control SkillsWarehousing SkillsQMS KnowledgeSHE Compliance KnowledgeReport Writing SkillsAdvanced Excel SkillsNegotiation Skills

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsCommunication SkillsConflict Management SkillsEmotional IntelligenceProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

ERP SystemsWMS SystemsInventory Management Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management QualificationWarehousing and Inventory Management Qualification

Industry Keywords

Contract LogisticsAutomotive IndustryOEM Operational ProcessesTier 1 ManufacturingContinuous Improvement Processes

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the overall performance of the Tier 1 client account under Contract Logistics in South Africa, including inbound airfreight
Align DSV strategy across all operations and cascade Contract Logistics goals, initiatives, standards, policies and procedures
Develop services and solutions for the Automotive industry
Develop strategic operating plans aligned with client and DSV objectives
Manage service-related risks and ensure operational planning and financial control systems
Lead and oversee all Client Site operations in Gauteng
Manage initiatives and potential new scope across operations
Retain and grow business with Client Motor Company South Africa
Represent DSV in client interactions and issue resolution
Ensure client needs, expectations and service level agreements are met
Conduct structured strategic and operational management reviews
Own Contract Logistics P&L and profitability targets
Apply contracts and service level agreements to achieve account stability and profitability
Ensure accurate billing and debt collection
Manage commercial risk, claims resolution and negotiations
Identify initiatives to improve account profitability
Lead operations teams to achieve performance metrics
Drive continuous improvement and lean culture
Manage internal and external stakeholders
Proactively manage client satisfaction, complaints, damages, root causes and corrective actions
Build and maintain an effective management team
Ensure departmental resourcing and ongoing performance management
Coach and mentor teams; maintain individual development and succession plans
Drive training interventions to close operational skills gaps
Maintain constructive client communication and deliver against service level agreements
Participate in major tender responses and submissions
Provide leadership, delegate authority, train and develop employees, motivate the workforce and conduct performance evaluations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Matric
4-year Logistics or Supply Chain Management degree, or 4-year equivalent diploma (BTECH), OR 4-year Industrial Engineering degree/equivalent diploma, OR Production Management degree/equivalent diploma, OR 5–10 years minimum relevant industry experience with in-depth experience in the listed job requirements
Advanced computer literacy; advanced WMS experience advantageous
5 years’ Tier 1 Automotive sequence experience
10+ years of Automotive production logistics experience
Ability to drive strategies across multiple departments and business units
Proven track record supporting multiple programmes in a production environment
People management, leadership, performance management, industrial relations, motivation and development skills
Communication and conflict management skills across all levels, age groups and cultures, including unionized environments
Commercial and financial skills, including budgeting, contract management and service level agreements
Problem-solving and proactive risk-resolution skills
Business development experience
Ability to work across multiple service segments and complex client environments
Ability to engage clients and design and sell suitable solutions
Emotional intelligence and maturity for stakeholder expectation management
Stock control, process adherence and warehousing skills and experience
Warehousing and Inventory Management qualification
QMS, SHE, continual improvement processes and risk management skills and experience
Project management qualifications/capabilities
Report writing skills
Sales and presentation skills
Advanced Excel skills
Procurement/commercial skills
Negotiation and relationship management skills
Knowledge of OEM operational processes
Operational experience and ability to work independently
Knowledge of HSE compliance
Knowledge of ERP/WMS/systems integration beneficial
2+ years’ project management experience
Automotive OEM or Tier-1 manufacturing experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Career growth opportunities in a global transport and logistics company
Inclusive, culturally diverse workplace
Collaboration with world-class team players
Performance-driven environment
Training and employee development opportunities
Coaching and mentoring
Succession planning and skills-gap training interventions