Sybrand Smit

Service-focused Transportation Manager with superb background in logistics management. Highly skilled at efficiency management, cost reduction and performance maximization. Dedicated to continuous productivity improvements through training as well as timely and efficient transportation operations. Stellar problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

General Manager - Idol Transport

(2024-09)

Manage a fleet of 30 trucks (MAN and Mercedes), and tanker trailers. Direct reports, operations 3 people, finance 3 people, inhouse workshop 13 people, HR 1 person, drivers 50, and sales 1 person.

• Identify new business opportunities and cultivating current relationships in seeking to drive overall business growth.
• Ensure all business operations are conducted within the required industry standards and Company policy as defined and legislated.
• Identify inefficiencies and cost optimization opportunities.
• Interpret trends, analyse and review data to provide meaningful advice to others in the organization to aid customer service and cost improvements.
• Ensuring all systems in place are used effectively, appropriately maintained whilst ensuring the availability of all required reports and documentation.
• Comply with Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with import and export regulations and Legal requirements.
• Support new business initiatives, projects and contribute during review meetings and ensure whatever improvement and/or changes are successfully implemented.
• Ensure all staff perform to the required standard, ensuring all employees have KPIs and staff performance are continuously evaluated, and poor performance are managed.
• Ensuring the recruitment of qualified and skilled employees to drive operation and growth across all levels.
• Manage the annual budget.
• Passed these Audits to obtain Certificates, COA (Certificate of acceptability for food premises), and SQAS (Safety and Quality Assessment for Sustainability-AFRICA.

Group Transport and Logistics Manager - Fidelity Services Group

(2012-06 - 2023-05)

Manage a fleet of over 4500 vehicles and trucks of all makes.

• Review, manage, and maintain vehicle database.
• Facilitate asset verification (physical).
• Investigate training programs for drivers and communicate to the business units.
• Manage fleet service providers around SLA requirements.
• Compile, and present monthly EXCO reports.
• Manage vehicle monitoring equipment and processes.
• Oversee all the mechanical in-house workshops, panel beaters, and scrap yard.
• Monthly branch audits.
• Implementation of company policies and procedures for AARTO legislation.
• Implementation and management of E-Tolls.
• Management of fleet costs and the implementation and monitoring of control mechanisms.
• Establish accident management committee meetings to reduce fleet accident rates.
• Ensure that legislation (National Road Traffic Act) is adhered to and communicated.
• Project manager for various projects e.g. in-house fuel where possible, fuel rebates with various banks and fuel suppliers, gas powered vehicles, and fleet management system.
• Tyre management.
• Member of the group finance, admin, support, risk, and health and safety committees.
• Member of the new business acquisition committee.
• Optimise fleet serviceability and availability.
• Manage the fleet disposal process.
• Training for all new and existing staff.
• Technology integration.
• Compiling and implementation of the Transport Policy and Procedure manual.

Group Fleet Manager - Chubb Security & Fire

(2008-03 - 2012-06)

• Develop new branding initiatives and implemented uniform fleet design to increase brand exposure.
• Generate daily reports detailing suggested process improvement initiatives to inform management.
• Inspect vehicles and request maintenance tasks to be completed within specific timeframes.
• Reduce expenditures by overseeing equipment acquisition to attain best value and price negotiation.
• Execute on-time, under-budget project management on complex issues for senior leadership.
• Execute design concept and build requirements for several vehicles to align with job requirements.
• Coordinate safety meetings to educate team members on best practices to mitigate hazard opportunities.
• Train drivers to manage time effectively, improving overall mileage performance.
• Supervise yearly equipment overhauls to drive improved inventory and increase equipment longevity.
• Introduce incentivization programs to increase employee performances.
• Complete projects by effectively delegating tasks and overseeing employee performance.
• Suggest actionable improvements to increase efficiency and reduce expenses.
• Manage full maintenance lease, and operating lease contracts.
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Compile and present reports to EXCO.
• Fine management e.g. redirecting fines.
• Accident management and reduction.

Transport Manager - Express Link Cargo

(2006-08 - 2008-03)

Manage a team of 20 drivers by reviewing performance to promote timely and efficient deliveries and operations.

• Observe staff to review compliance and safety to minimize losses due to violations or damage.
• Coordinate driver dispatch to accomplish daily delivery requirements.
• Research distance, traffic patterns and other aspects to determine cost-effective and productive routes for deliveries.
• Supervise department personnel by assigning and directing daily tasks as well as evaluating performance to enhance productivity and resolve problems.
• Organize records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.
• Reviewee established business practices and improved processes to reduce expenses.
• Reduce driver accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
• Local and cross border distribution.
• Vehicle disposal and new purchases.
• Ensure effective recruitment, training and development of staff.
• Accident investigations, disciplinary hearings, and insurance claims.
• Systems implementation e.g. vehicle tracing, polygraph tests.
• Maintenance and cost reduction.

Operations Manager - Contract Labour Solutions

(2005-04 - 2006-08)

• Devise processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
• Identify and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
• Introduce new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
• Establishes positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
• Hiring, onboarding and training of new staff to fulfil business requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
• Develop systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
• Analyse and report on key performance metrics to CEO.
• Increase profit by streamlining operations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
• Interacted with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
• Track trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
• Implement business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
• Handle problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.

Transport Manager - SA Scale

(2004-05 - 2005-03)

Oversee a team of 22 drivers and reviewing performance to promote timely and efficient deliveries.

• Plane and supervise shipments from production to end-user and scheduled daily and weekly routes.
• Prepare and update employees' daily work schedules and resolve delivery queries.
• Assess customer needs to forge and cultivate productive relationships and maintain top satisfaction levels.
• Communicate with customer service and sales teams to improve productivity and service ratings.
• Observe staff to review compliance and safety to minimize losses due to violations or damage.
• Coordinate driver dispatch to accomplish daily delivery requirements.
• Research distance, traffic patterns and other aspects to determine cost-effective and productive routes for deliveries.
• Supervise department personnel by assigning and directing daily tasks as well as evaluating performance to enhance productivity and resolve problems.
• Organize records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.
• Collaborate with manufacturing management.
• Create and enforce detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
• Reduce worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
• Training new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
• Local and cross border distribution.
• Planning and routing of rail deliveries.
• Implement Aids awareness programs.

Standard 8 - Roodepoort High (1984-01 - 1984-12)

NTC3 - Electrical Engineering - Krugersdorp College (1985-01 - 1985-12)

Three Year Road Transport Management Diploma - Transport Management - RAU University (2006-01 - 2008-12)

National Diploma - Transport Management - University of Johannesburg (2009-01 - 2009-07)