Transportation & Operations Manager

Transportation & Operations Manager

Job Purpose

To lead, manage, and develop end-to-end transportation operations, ensuring efficient fleet utilization, cost control, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth. The role combines operational excellence with commercial responsibility, supporting revenue growth while maintaining high service and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Fleet Operations

Oversee daily transportation operations covering heavy and general cargo transportation.

Manage a mixed fleet model, including company-owned and outsourced/rented vehicles.

Ensure optimal utilization of transportation assets, minimizing downtime and operational costs.

Supervise routing, dispatching, and scheduling to meet operational and client requirements.

Coordinate maintenance, inspection, and compliance of all vehicles and equipment.

Monitor fuel consumption, driver behavior, and vehicle performance through tracking systems.

Equipment & Asset Management

Manage transportation equipment such as prime movers, flatbeds, lowbeds, and general cargo trucks.

Ensure all vehicles and equipment comply with applicable safety and regulatory standards.

Oversee vendor and workshop relationships related to fleet maintenance and repairs.

Participate in fleet expansion, replacement planning, and cost-benefit analysis.

Commercial & Business Development

Support and contribute to client acquisition, retention, and business growth.

Participate in pricing, costing, and feasibility studies for transportation services.

Negotiate contracts and service agreements with clients, transporters, and subcontractors.

Identify opportunities to improve margins through operational efficiencies and cost optimization.

Act as a key operational point of contact for major clients.

Performance Management & Reporting

Establish and monitor KPIs related to fleet utilization, cost, safety, service level, and productivity.

Prepare regular operational and financial reports for management review.

Analyze performance data and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Utilize ERP, fleet management systems, and advanced Excel tools for reporting and analysis.

People Management

Lead, supervise, and develop transportation teams including drivers, dispatchers, and operations staff.

Ensure effective workforce planning, shift management, and performance evaluation.

Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and operational discipline.

Coordinate training initiatives related to safety, operational procedures, and compliance.

Compliance, Safety & Governance

Ensure full compliance with local transportation regulations, safety standards, and operational policies.

Implement and monitor safety procedures and risk mitigation measures.

Coordinate investigations of incidents, accidents, and non-compliance cases.

Maintain accurate documentation related to vehicles, drivers, permits, and inspections.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Transportation, Operations Management, or a related field.

Minimum 10–15 years of experience in transportation and logistics operations.

Proven experience managing large transportation fleets and outsourced transporters.

Strong exposure to heavy transportation operations.

Experience in commercial operations, costing, and client interaction.

Solid knowledge of fleet management systems, ERP platforms, and KPI reporting.

Prior experience within KSA or GCC markets is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Commercial awareness and cost-control mindset.

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and vendors.

High level of operational discipline and attention to detail.

Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Role Summary (Internal Use)

This role is not a supervisory or dispatch position.
It is a senior transportation leadership role responsible for:

Fleet & equipment

People & systems

Compliance & safety

Clients & revenue support