Foreground is a high-quality recruitment consultancy firm, renowned for its strategic approach to connecting exceptional talent with key roles that drive business success.

We are partnering with a leading entity in the transportation industry to identify an accomplished leader for an Executive Director role. This is a pivotal opportunity for a visionary individual who excels in operational leadership, business growth, and people management.

Position: Executive Director (Transportation Sector)

As the Executive Director, you will hold full responsibility for overseeing the business units staff, budget, and operations. This role demands a proven leader with an acute focus on business growth, process improvement, and the development of strategic partnerships. You will be instrumental in steering the organization towards continued success, fostering an environment of high performance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Growth & Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term business strategies aimed at achieving sustainable growth and increasing market share.
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities while ensuring strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Drive revenue growth through the expansion of transportation services and new client acquisition, ensuring alignment with overall corporate objectives.

2. Operational Excellence:

• Oversee day-to-day transportation operations, ensuring that all activities are executed in line with company standards and industry best practices.
• Implement robust process improvements to optimize efficiency and productivity, reducing operational costs without compromising service quality.
• Establish and enforce high standards in safety, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems.

3. Financial Management & Accountability:

• Develop and manage the business units budget, ensuring financial controls are in place and adhered to across all operations.
• Monitor financial performance, including P&L statements, and initiate corrective actions as needed to maintain profitability and operational stability.
• Align financial and operational goals with the broader corporate strategy to ensure the business remains competitive in the marketplace.

4. People & Stakeholder Management:

• Provide leadership and direction to the management team and staff, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with key external partners, including government bodies, trade associations, and other stakeholders, ensuring the business benefits from strategic partnerships.
• Drive team development, including recruitment, coaching, and performance management, with a focus on creating a collaborative and motivated workforce.

5. Transportation-Specific Expertise:

• Lead initiatives to enhance transportation solutions for both internal operations and external clients, ensuring high standards in service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Provide strategic direction for the integration of new transportation technologies, logistics solutions, and fleet management to meet evolving market demands.
• Ensure all transportation operations are compliant with local and international regulations, particularly in relation to health, safety, and environmental standards.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Industry Expertise: Minimum 10 years of leadership experience within the transportation sector, including a successful track record in business growth and operational management.
• Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to lead large teams, manage diverse groups, and foster a culture of performance and collaboration.
• Financial Acumen: Strong background in managing budgets, P&L oversight, and implementing financial strategies to drive profitability.
• Process-Oriented Mindset: Experience in developing and optimizing operational processes to uplift quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
• Stakeholder Management: Extensive experience in managing relationships with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and key industry stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications:

• MBA or relevant advanced degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to lead change and drive innovation within the organization.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the business.