General Manager - Rwanda

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Manage CMA CGM Rwanda Limited and develop its activities.

• Lead the operational implementation of Rwanda activities (procedures, finance integrity, operations)
• Understand legal, regulatory environment and procedures of Port and Customs formalities for cargo flows, in transit between Rwanda and hinterland countries and guide stakeholders accordingly.
• Ensure implantation of relevant tools for safe management of our activities (Operating System CargoWise, financial management, Standard Operating Procedures, control etc.) while maintaining a first-class service level to our customers.
• Understand the political and economic environment of the country and region, identify opportunities and development perspectives for the Group in the region, and leverage of the same to build the Group profile in the region.
• Ensure local teams training and growth
• Understand commercial and financial objectives set out by the Board of Directors and cascade them as clear and concrete Performance Indicators to the teams – lead the teams and assess periodically their performance vs the objectives
• Ensure compliance of the team with rules and procedures as set out by HO and the Board of Directors.
• Prepare and report activities and performance periodically to the Cluster, RO, HO, and the Board of Directors.
• Develop and oversee growth strategies in the Agency
• Increase and diversify agency revenue
• Establish and maintain a good relationship with the main stakeholders of our activity
  • Internal stakeholders within the Cluster, Region, and HO
  • Key Clients and vendors
  • External stakeholders
• Ensure implementation of relevant tools for a safe management of our activities while maintaining a first-class service level to our customers.

2. Team management.

• Lead the team and assess periodically their performance versus the objectives
• Ensure compliance of the team with rules and procedures as set out by HO
• Direct supervision of the agency staff and coordination of their activities as may be required
• Evaluating the performance and productivity of the team
• Assist in the hiring of employees in collaboration with the cluster office
• Ensure local teams training and growth

3. Project management.

•  Prepare a clear and realistic Business Plan for the development and management of the projects, including the ICD platform on the targeted land, based on potential volume metrics, market opportunities, and market price levels
• Assess, validate, and trigger the investments related to the projects, in close cooperation with Cluster, RO, HO finance management, and the Board of Directors
• Redact and issue tenders for the necessary works on the various projects, the purchase of equipment, key sub-contracted activities etc.
• Prepare and ensure the roll-out of an Action Plan for the implementation of the projects, always in compliance with the Group’s  SSE standards 
• Deliver the objectives and figures as defined by the Business Plan
• Participate in bidding for local tenders in collaboration with local, cluster, regional, and HO teams.
• Deliver the objectives and figures as defined by the Business Plan

Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration, Sales or Logistics, with knowledge of financial basics.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in logistics, forwarding, or maritime industry, if possible, within the region.
• Fluent in professional English and French would be a plus.
• Proven problem-solving and time management skills.
• Be familiar and constantly up to date with the latest global maritime trade developments, changing market environments, and competitors updates.
• Proven skills and experience in budgeting and forecasting for future lifting volumes
• Proven experience in mentoring and coaching junior employees.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodology, tools & techniques.
• Proficient in MS Outlook, MS Project, or other project and time management software applications.
• Commercial profile with excellent analytical, presentation, follow-up, decision-making, problem-solving, team building, and good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills to technical and non-technical audiences of various levels in the organization; ability to explain technical features to non-technical audiences and vice-versa.
• Ability to persuade and influence others on the best approach to take.
• Resourceful and proactive in gathering information and sharing ideas.
• Not afraid of changes, flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work in an international environment.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity to culture and customs.
• Ability to travel abroad on assignments.
• Proven negotiation and conflict-management skills

Please ensure you are familiar with the CMA CGM Corporate Internal Mobility guidelines.