Tony Zanna

Results-driven Transport and Operations Manager with over 10 years of progressive managerial experience spanning fleet maintenance, workshop management, quality assurance, food safety compliance, and multi-site operations. A qualified Diesel Mechanic with a rare combination of hands-on mechanical expertise and senior leadership capability. Currently serving as Transport Manager at RCL Foods (Sunshine Division, KZN), Tony brings a strong track record of reducing fleet downtime, achieving budget targets, and developing high-performing teams across the bakery, FMCG, construction, and manufacturing sectors in South Africa, New Zealand, and Botswana.

Actively pursuing a senior Operations Manager role in the bakery / FMCG sector, where food safety, logistics, production support, transport compliance, and people leadership intersect.

Transport Manager - RCL Foods — Sunshine Division - KwaZulu-Natal

(2025-03)

Oversee full transport operations for the Sunshine bakery division — managing fleet, drivers, routes, and cold chain compliance across KZN.

• Lead daily dispatch briefings, driver performance management, and route optimisation to ensure on-time delivery of bread products.
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations, vehicle roadworthiness, FSSC 22000 food safety protocols, and ISO 45001 HSE standards.
• Monitor and control transport budget; report on KPIs including fleet utilisation, on-time delivery rate, and vehicle downtime.
• Liaise with production, distribution, and quality teams to align transport operations with production schedules.

Transport Manager - RCL Foods — Sunbake Division - Tzaneen, Limpopo

(2023-03 - 2025-03)

Managed all transport logistics for the Sunbake bakery operation including fleet scheduling, driver management, and vehicle maintenance planning.

• Improved fleet reliability through structured preventive maintenance scheduling and targeted driver training programs.
• Coordinated with warehouse, distribution, and operations teams to maximise load efficiency and reduce delivery failures.
• Monitored GPS tracking systems to manage driver behaviour, route compliance, and breakdown response times.

Workshop Manager - Rakgoadi Progressive Bakery (100% BEE) - Limpopo

(2021-03 - 2022-08)

Reduced fleet breakdowns by 65% within the first year through a structured PMS implementation and disciplined maintenance scheduling.

• Achieved annual maintenance budget targets for the first time in three consecutive years — a landmark result for the business.
• Managed a diverse fleet including Hilux, UD, and Isuzu vehicles; oversaw fuel distribution and procurement processes.
• Developed staff coaching and driver training programs, measurably improving operational safety and driver productivity.
• Reported to executive management on fleet strategy, vehicle disposal, procurement, and annual budget planning.

Auto Workshop Manager - Makoro Brick & Tile - Botswana

(2020-02 - 2020-11)

Managed workshop and brick yard transport operations in a remote factory environment with limited external support.

• Conducted vehicle inspections, allocated workshop jobs, and ensured all safety protocols were strictly adhered to.
• Negotiated supplier prices and managed stocktake and inventory procedures to maintain parts availability.
• Maintained HSE files and managed service member recruitment, onboarding, and hands-on training.

Fleet Maintenance Manager - Alpha Sand - Polokwane

(2017-07 - 2020-01)

Executed a strategic Preventive Maintenance System across the full fleet, scheduling tasks and tracking all maintenance events.

• Managed Certificates of Fitness (COF) for all vehicles; ensured full compliance with South African transport laws and regulations.
• Minimised fleet downtime through effective maintenance schedules, GPS-based breakdown monitoring, and rapid-response protocols.
• Controlled costs by maximising workshop efficiency; managed staff performance, stock control, and operational risk mitigation.

Vehicle Inspector - VINZ - Hamilton, New Zealand

(2015-08 - 2017-02)

Conducted Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspections for light and heavy vehicles across all NZTA inspection groups.

• Inspected Police Green and Pink sticker vehicles; assessed effectiveness of post-repair work for roadworthiness.
• Used mechanical and electrical diagnostic equipment to identify faults in electric circuits, airlines, and vehicle accessories.
• Test drove vehicles to identify handling and mechanical faults; submitted comprehensive non-conformance reports.

Diesel Mechanic Trade Certificate - Diesel Mechanics - Merseta (1999-10)

Business Management - Business Management - College of Production Technology / Merseta & RMI (2006-02)

Management Development - Management - Edupark / PSeta (2017-09 - 2017-10)