Company: DSV Global Transport & Logistics
Location: Serengeti Blvd, Kempton Park, Gauteng
Contract Type: Full-Time / Permanent
Industry: Freight Forwarding, Logistics & Supply Chain
Experience Level: Senior / Executive
Functional Area: Sales / General Management
Closing Date: 31 October 2025
About DSV
DSV is a global leader in transport and logistics, operating in over 90 countries with close to 160,000 colleagues. The Kempton Park branch is seeking a General Manager – Automotive Sales to oversee the Automotive vertical, manage key account managers, and drive revenue growth across DSV Road operations.
This role is ideal for candidates with extensive experience in automotive logistics, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to grow client portfolios while ensuring operational excellence.
Role Overview
The General Manager, Sales – Automotive is responsible for the strategic and operational management of DSV’s Automotive vertical. This includes retaining and growing existing accounts, acquiring new business, and managing Account Managers supporting reputable automotive brands. The role also requires close collaboration across Operations, HR, IT, Finance, and Sales to ensure business objectives are met efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial:
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Ensure DSV is invited and responds effectively to market tenders (RFI, RFP, RFQ).
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Monitor revenue, identify billing variance and revenue leakage, and achieve retention and growth targets.
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Set annual budgets and optimize resourcing based on customer trends and trade seasonality.
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Manage debtors to maintain <35 days DSO and ZERO debtors >120 days.
Team Management:
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Set annual goals for Account Managers with quarterly follow-ups.
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Conduct quarterly and annual performance reviews.
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Develop soft skills within the team, including conflict management and motivation.
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Ensure adequate resource planning and team capacity.
Governance, Compliance & Reporting:
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Negotiate contracts and manage liabilities, insurance, NDAs, penalties, and rate increases.
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Maintain updated contracts and registers for annual increases.
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Provide monthly reporting on new business, retention, and compliance.
Relationship Management:
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Conduct weekly operational meetings, monthly business reviews, and quarterly strategic sessions.
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Address customer escalations efficiently and implement preventive measures.
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Build strong internal relationships to promote a collaborative working environment.
Solution Design:
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Provide expert guidance to sales staff on designing new solutions for clients.
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Assist in developing and implementing new processes for effective and profitable business operations.
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Oversee the implementation of new accounts and services.
In Summary:
The General Manager must be self-motivated, initiative-driven, and possess strong business acumen. The role requires total ownership of accounts, innovative thinking, and professional communication skills to maintain and grow the Automotive portfolio effectively.
Minimum Requirements
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Minimum 5 years end-to-end supply chain experience with at least 3 years managing Account Managers in Automotive logistics (road distribution).
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Experience responding to tenders, RFI, RFP, and RFQ, and formulating logistical solutions for automotive brands.
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National Diploma or equivalent.
Added Advantages:
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Experience in end-to-end Automotive supply chain management, including Air & Sea inbound logistics and warehousing.
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Experience working for an Auto OEM in a Supply Chain or Logistics capacity.
Skills and Competencies
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Strategic sales leadership and account management
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Business development and revenue growth
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Team management and performance development
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Contract negotiation and compliance management
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Analytical, problem-solving, and operational planning skills
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management
Special Conditions of Employment
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Must have experience in Automotive logistics (road freight) – vehicle/fleet sales or leasing experience not accepted.
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Strong IT literacy for managing logistics and account operations.
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Total ownership and initiative required to meet business objectives efficiently.
Remuneration and Benefits
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Competitive market-related salary
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Opportunity to lead a key vertical within a global logistics leader
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Exposure to full-spectrum Automotive logistics operations
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Professional and inclusive work environment
How to Apply
Apply directly via the official DSV Careers portal:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within four weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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