Operations Manager - Passenger Transport and Logistics at Vodstra Limited

Vodstra, on behalf of its client, a leading and well-established player in the passenger transport and logistics industry, is seeking a high-energy, commercially driven and entrepreneurial Operations Manager.

This is more than a traditional operations role. We need a business-minded transport professional. The successful candidates will be expected to think beyond simply moving buses, passengers and goods. They must understand how to fill seats, maximise cargo capacity, optimise vehicles and routes, control costs, develop people and deliver the financial targets expected from each trip and operating unit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily transport operations, routes, terminals and operational teams.
• Maximize passenger occupancy, cargo volumes, vehicle utilization and revenue per trip.
• Drive sales and business development to fill available passenger and cargo capacity.
• Manage drivers, frontline teams and other human resources effectively.
• Optimize fleet utilization and minimize vehicle downtime and operational costs.
• Monitor financial and operational KPIs and take action to improve profitability.
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships and revenue streams.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for someone who has previously worked as an Operations Manager, Head of Operations, Transport Manager, Branch/Terminal Manager or similar senior role in a transport, logistics, consolidated cargo/haulage or mobility company.

You should have:

• 5+ years' relevant experience, including managerial experience.
• Experience in passenger transport or courier logistics
• Strong transport operations and fleet management skills.
• Proven sales/business development capability.
• Strong understanding of load factor, vehicle utilization, revenue per trip and profitability.
• Excellent people-management and leadership skills.
• Experience managing drivers and large frontline teams.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-management skills.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Strong problem-solving ability.
• A vibrant, proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.
• A track record of delivering measurable operational or financial results.

THE PERSON WE WANT

If you see empty seats as lost revenue, unused vehicle capacity as a business opportunity, and operational challenges as problems to solve, this opportunity may be for you. The successful candidate will be measured on passenger/cargo growth, revenue, vehicle utilisation, cost control, profitability, customer experience and team performance.