Transport Relations Manager

Job Summary

Our client, who is in the logistics, clearing, and forwarding industry, is seeking a Transport Relations Manager (TRM) to join their operations team in Dar Es Salaam. The Transport Relations Manager will be responsible for managing and strengthening relationships with transporters, ensuring efficient, compliant, and reliable transportation services. This role is central to coordinating daily logistics activities, monitoring transporter performance, resolving operational issues, and driving continuous improvement to uphold high service standards across all transport operations.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with transporters and logistics partners to ensure long-term collaboration and service reliability.

Negotiate, manage, and review transporter contracts to secure favourable terms while maintaining service quality and compliance.

Monitor daily shipment movements, providing timely updates to management and operations teams on border status, transit progress, and delivery milestones.

Coordinate loading and offloading processes, ensuring the availability of suitable trucks to meet allocation requirements.

Track transporter performance using defined KPIs, including on-time delivery, safety compliance, vehicle condition, and service efficiency.

Prepare and share regular performance reports, including daily tracking updates, weekly transporter performance summaries, and monthly performance analysis reports.

Act as the primary point of contact for transporters, drivers, border agents, and branch managers to facilitate effective communication and issue resolution.

Handle pre- and post-loading amendments, ensuring any related charges are processed and settled in a timely manner.

Address and resolve transporter complaints, disputes, accidents, breakdowns, or incidents, escalating critical matters to management as required.

Ensure all transporter documentation is received, reviewed, and compliant with legal, regulatory, customs, and company requirements.

Maintain accurate records of all local and transit shipments, including tracking data, delivery confirmations, and invoices.

Identify cost-saving opportunities and work with transporters to optimize costs while maintaining operational efficiency and service standards.

Provide regular training and guidance to transporters on system usage, updates, and performance expectations.

Source, evaluate, and onboard new transporters, while reviewing fleet performance and removing consistently underperforming trucks from the system.

Support continuous improvement initiatives by analysing performance data, identifying trends, and recommending operational enhancements.

Ensure full adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements always.

Perform any other duties assigned by management in support of operational objectives.

Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Logistics, Clearing and Forwarding, Transport Management, Procurement Management, or a related field from a recognized institution.

A minimum of 3–4 years’ experience working in the logistics, transport, or clearing and forwarding industry.

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Office 365).

Understanding of TRA and port systems is an added advantage.

Experience with ERP systems or web-based logistics applications is an added advantage.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong proficiency in English.

Strong planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to analyze data, prepare detailed operational reports, and handle numerical and computational tasks accurately.

Diplomatic, resilient, and able to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.