Head of Road Freight and CDZ

About the Role and Company

Join DHL Global Forwarding, a leading international freight specialist within a global logistics company operating in over 220 countries. We provide air, ocean, and road freight solutions, including highly specialized end-to-end services for diverse industries worldwide. We are seeking a Head of Road Freight and CDZ based in Kampala, Uganda, to lead and develop our Road Freight and CDZ business in alignment with company strategy and local market conditions, maximizing profitability and resource efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the key liaison between Road Freight and CDZ departments.
• Drive market share growth for Road Freight (RFR) and Customs Deferment Zone (CDZ) operations.
• Assume full Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility for RFR ensuring adherence to budget targets.
• Guarantee compliance with industry regulations and internal DHL policies across RFR and CDZ.
• Participate in developing innovative customer solutions for new accounts.
• Optimize staff and resource allocation to meet service level goals.
• Maintain and enhance customer relationships through visits, needs assessment, and satisfaction monitoring.
• Oversee supplier relationships and performance management.
• Monitor profitability for customers, shipments, and business units.
• Lead estimates, requests for quotations (RFQs), and tenders processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoice processing following financial controls.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives including First Choice and Station Improvements while adhering to quality standards.
• Generate regular and ad hoc operational reports as requested by management.
• Improve service levels, KPIs, customer satisfaction, and compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
• Collaborate with sales teams to expand RFR and CDZ revenues and market share.
• Manage and update country-specific tariffs and pricing for RFR and CDZ shipments.
• Ensure compliance with latest CDZ financial guidelines and prevent revenue leakage.
• Administer Customs licenses and deferment bonds.
• Control department costs, productivity, and profitability metrics (EBIT).
• Coordinate with regional teams for network and standalone shipments.
• Support sales and customer service with technical data and customer engagement.
• Audit documentation to ensure quality and accuracy of work.
• Maintain risk registers related to refunds, bonded cargo, and CDZ activities to minimize financial loss and report risks to management.
• Develop and track department KPIs such as entry counts, voucher corrections, refunds, and acquittals.
• Manage team performance through key indicators and daily management practices, providing regular feedback.
• Communicate results, productivity, quality, and customer feedback consistently to the team.
• Identify and implement training based on organizational and budget priorities.
• Ensure clear understanding and delivery of new business promises to avoid ambiguities.
• Analyze customer trading behaviors and visit customers regularly alongside service representatives.
• Assist with collections when needed to enforce payment terms.
• Monitor credit limits and work with finance to manage credit risk per guidelines.
• Maintain exemplary service delivery standards internally and externally.

People Management

• Build a high-performing and service-oriented culture within the department.
• Plan and organize an effective team structure.
• Encourage team collaboration and multitasking.
• Set and monitor KPIs for individual performance.
• Lead performance appraisals and coaching efforts.
• Foster employee engagement and motivation to meet objectives.
• Allocate resources and staff commitment to meet global, regional, and country goals.
• Supervise and ensure quality control over outsourced agent services.

Candidate Profile

• Strong knowledge of freight forwarding with expertise in Road Freight and CDZ products.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities.
• Effective teamwork and knowledge transfer skills.
• Excellent punctuality and time management.
• Sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Master's degree in Business Management or related field; additional logistics qualifications advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the logistics field including 5 years in managerial roles.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a global, innovation-driven company contributing ideas to shared goals.
• Potential for career advancement.
• Competitive salary package.

Company Values and Culture

DHL Global Forwarding operates as part of the world’s leading logistics group with a commitment to diversity, equality, and career development. The company is recognized as a top employer fostering a supportive work environment and promoting talent growth, particularly among women. Our vision, mission, purpose, and values emphasize connection, excellence, respect, and responsibility.