Job Description

Takealot.com, South Africa’s leading online retailer, is seeking a highly talented General Manager: Primary Logistics to join our Takealot Delivery Team based in Johannesburg DC.

We’re a young, dynamic, hyper-growth company looking for smart, creative, and hardworking individuals with integrity. If you're ready for a challenge and want to build something great, we promise an exciting work environment with flexibility and no shortage of opportunity.

The Role

As the General Manager: Transport, you will be responsible for leading and managing Takealot’s fleet operations across the Johannesburg region. This includes overseeing distribution centre logistics, third-party logistics providers (3PL), owned fleet operations, branch management, and ensuring alignment with Takealot's delivery and compliance goals.

You will lead cross-functional teams, implement new services and strategies, and manage infrastructure scalability while delivering operational excellence and ensuring high service levels.

Key Responsibilities

🚚 Operational Excellence

• Lead day-to-day transport and distribution operations in the region.

• Achieve and maintain a 98%+ first-time delivery rate.

• Ensure full compliance of fleet with Road Traffic Act and OEM benchmarks.

• Expand regional logistics capacity by launching new branches and satellite hubs.

🤝 Stakeholder & Team Management

• Manage and grow a high-performing operations support team.

• Work closely with 3PL providers and franchise partners to ensure delivery performance.

• Collaborate with Tech, Compliance, and Finance departments to meet logistics objectives.

📈 Strategy & Performance

• Champion and communicate new central initiatives to regional teams.

• Analyze and optimize logistics processes for efficiency improvements.

• Ensure adherence to SLA targets through accurate demand/supply planning.

• Deliver strategic input on business supply chain challenges.

📊 Data & Cost Management

• Monitor service levels and resolve operational issues promptly.

• Manage and report on fleet costs (fuel, repairs, maintenance).

• Oversee budget planning and cost negotiations for logistics contracts.

• Maintain reporting accuracy and systems monitoring for data-driven decisions.

🛠️ Process Improvement & Compliance

• Implement best practices in logistics operations and fleet maintenance.

• Drive process innovation and change management across teams.

• Ensure the development and compliance of fleet/vehicle policies.

• Lead logistics performance improvement projects and enforce 5S principles.

Requirements

🎓 Education

• Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or Business/Commerce (required).

• Postgraduate qualification or Project Management certification (advantageous).

• Advanced diploma in Retail Management principles is a plus.

✅ Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in logistics, manufacturing, or distribution environments.

• Proven experience managing large operational teams and multi-site logistics functions.

• Experience working in highly unionized environments.

• Strong background in fleet compliance, vehicle policies, and cost control.

• Demonstrated success in budget management and contract negotiation.

• Track record of implementing logistics technology and data-driven decision-making.

💡 Competencies

• Strategic thinker and operational leader.

• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

• Self-directed, competitive, and always striving for excellence.

• Passionate about e-commerce and continuous improvement.