Terminal Manager
Listing reference: grind_000647
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 23 March 2026
Position summary
Industry: Freight, Import & Export
Job category: Transport and Logistics Management
Location: Durban
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
This Terminal Manager vacancy exists to provide strategic, operational, and leadership oversight across Total Operations within the operational areas in Durban. The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost‑effective management of terminal activities, including cargo handling, warehousing, equipment utilization, logistics coordination, workforce planning, and customer service delivery.
The Terminal Manager will be overall responsible for the terminals in Durban and will be required to drive operational excellence by optimizing processes, ensuring compliance with all regulatory, safety, and environmental standards, and maintaining high levels of service performance. A key focus of the role is to develop strong operational teams, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and build solid relationships with customers, service providers, and internal stakeholders. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term sustainability, growth, and competitiveness of Grindrod’s Durban-based terminal operations.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
OPERATIONAL EXECUTION
- Operational KPI's and volume targets are met
- Business budgets are maintained
- Work towards ensuring business operates within its budget
- Drive business optimization and cost saving initiatives. This can be, and includes
- Admin processes are adhered to
- Operational efficiencies maintained
- Continuously review optimal business and operating mode
- Ensure capex program is delivered on in line with business strategy
- Chair monthly OPCO's and quarterly management reviews
- Oversee Grindrod policies are being adhered to at the terminal
- Champion ISO at the terminals in support of the SHEQ team and other departments
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Manage strategic client relationships at the terminal
- Ensure the terminal delivers on turnaround times through the operations team
- Manage customer satisfaction by working with the commercial team and understanding the customer pain points, with action plans to address
- Maintain client relationships in cases where matters require senior intervention/stakeholder management
COST OPTIMIZATION
- Analysis of terminal spend structure and improve by driving
- Cost-saving initiatives are formed and actualised
- Implement strategic sourcing with the procurement team
- Review operations/business models against costing models to
- Determine deviations and correct these deviations
- Optimal resource planning
SAFETY EXCELLENCE
- Ensure a safety culture is embedded in the business
- Champion Bhasobha campaign
- Ensure facilities and process are compliant to relevant regulations
- Monitor progress of safety initiatives and metrics to realize improvements
PEOPLE & CULTURE
- Enable a high-performing culture through building a skilled workforce that is performance driven
- Maintain fit-for-purpose and lean structures
- Ensure the well-being of all terminal staff is considered and create an environment where employees can thrive to achieve objectives
- Champion the Grindrod Way, including reward and recognition programmes
STRATEGIC PLANNING
- Support the business growth strategy for the terminals
- Identify new solutions that enable new business
- Drive strategic projects at the terminal that support long-term objectives and business targets
- Liaise with key stakeholders
JOB SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- Proven ability to manage and provide leadership to all aspects of terminal operations, including loading, unloading, inventory management, and shipment tracking
- Experience in managing inbound and outbound logistics and ensuring adherence to schedules and processes
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff, fostering collaboration and high performance
- Skills in resolving conflicts and addressing employee concerns effectively
- Background in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost management, with experience in developing and managing budgets for terminal operations
- In-depth knowledge of industry regulations, safety protocols, and operational standards (e.g., OHSA) related to terminal operations
- Demonstrated ability to be strong with decision-making and leadership in complex environments
- Create and maintain a high-performance culture, underpinned by being a process driven organisation, through inspiring people and creating an environment for innovation and learning (continuous improvement)
Minimum requirements
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in: Logistics / Supply Chain Management, Business qualification (such as a BCom) or Operations Management. Industrial / Mechanical Engineering will be advantageous
- Added Advantage (preferred for Grindrod leadership roles): Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics / Supply Chain, MBA / MBL
Proffesional Certification– Grindrod relevant
- Lean Six Sigma qualification
- ISO Standards exposure:
- ISO 9001 (Quality)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental)
- ISO 45001 (Health & Safety)
- Port / Terminal Operating Systems familiarity, such as in-house systems used at Grindrod
Experience
- 8-10 years’ experience in terminal operations, logistics, warehousing, or port operations
- 5 years management experience leading operational teams
