Deputy Lead - Transport

About the role

Career Directions Limited (CDL) is hiring a Deputy Lead - Transport in Thika, reporting to the Deputy Head of Warehouse & Outbound Logistics. The role covers end-to-end transport execution, fleet coordination and transporter financial management, so that outbound deliveries support OTIF targets, cost control and compliance. It includes daily fleet planning, transporter performance management and full AIR and accounts payable (A/P) execution, including invoice validation, reconciliation and coordination with Finance.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate daily fleet deployment with the Lead Dispatch & Fulfilment, matching vehicles to delivery schedules, routes and loads, and resolve vehicle shortages, breakdowns or late arrivals
• Maximise asset utilisation through routing, sequencing and load consolidation, and reduce dwell time and cost leakages
• Own end-to-end A/P execution for transporters: invoice collection, rate verification, POD and trip sheet validation, and follow-up on AIR claims, recoveries and penalties
• Ensure transporter invoices are accurate, contractually compliant and fully documented, and resolve discrepancies within defined turnaround times
• Submit verified invoices to Finance for booking and approval, track their status and follow up on rejections or queries
• Maintain professional relationships with transport partners, monitoring attendance, reliability and service discipline
• Run dashboards on vehicle availability, route adherence, delivery delays, service performance, cost and utilisation, and submit daily, weekly and monthly reports
• Ensure compliance with safety, legal and company standards, escalate risks and support audits
• Implement Lean and Kaizen initiatives, take part in improvement projects and carry out ad hoc transport tasks

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Transport & Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in transport operations, fleet management, logistics or distribution, preferably in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience in fleet planning, route optimisation, transporter management and outbound delivery execution

Required skills

• Transporter invoice management, A/P processes, POD validation, reconciliation and VIM workflows
• Monitoring transport KPIs, managing service providers, driving cost optimisation and supporting OTIF targets