Driver Regional Operations Manager

Driver Regional Operations Manager | KwaZulu-Natal | Permanent

Are you a hands-on operations professional who thrives on building strong driver networks, managing regional activity, and keeping operational standards on track? This is an opportunity to take ownership of driver operations, client engagement, and activations across KwaZulu-Natal.

The Driver Regional Operations Manager will be responsible for the full operational lifecycle of the KZN driver network, from recruiting and onboarding new drivers through to quality inspections, compliance, performance analysis, and ongoing community engagement. The role combines operational discipline with relationship management, requiring someone who is equally comfortable working with systems and reports as they are engaging directly with drivers and clients.

The position will also serve as the primary regional contact for KZN clients, supporting client relationships, new business opportunities, and campaign delivery. A key component of the role is managing on-the-ground activations, coordinating drivers, branding, equipment, and logistics to ensure campaigns are delivered on brief, on time and within budget.

Our client is an innovative advertising and mobility-focused business operating across multiple regions in South Africa. The organisation combines technology, data, and a distributed driver network to deliver measurable brand and campaign solutions. The culture is entrepreneurial and operationally focused, with a strong emphasis on accountability, responsiveness, and quality execution.

What You'll Do

• Recruit a minimum of 10 new drivers per week and manage the end-to-end onboarding process.

• Collect, verify, and maintain accurate driver documentation and compliance records.

• Monitor onboarding progress and ensure all requirements are completed within agreed timelines.

• Conduct monthly driver quality inspections and ensure 100% completion within the required inspection cycle.

• Document inspection findings and follow up on corrective actions.

• Attend the office two days per week to receive stock, maintain inventory records, and conduct quality checks.

• Attend the office whenever flightings, inspections or round table meetings are scheduled.

• Maintain accurate operational records across systems including Airtable and Paysoft.

• Prepare comprehensive monthly driver analysis reports covering recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and operational trends.

• Complete weekly provincial Top Box reconciliations and resolve payment discrepancies with relevant departments.

• Submit accurate weekly operational reports covering recruitment, onboarding, inspections, and compliance.

• Identify operational risks, trends and opportunities and recommend improvements.

• Act as the primary regional point of contact for KZN-based clients.

• Build strong client relationships through regular check-ins and site visits.

• Support regional business development and client onboarding.

• Coordinate the resolution of client concerns with internal teams.

• Provide accurate campaign and fleet updates to clients.

• Plan and manage KZN activations, including driver participation, branding, equipment, and logistics.

• Ensure activations are delivered according to brief, timeline, and budget.

• Report on activation outcomes, reach, engagement, and operational issues.

• Act as the interim community manager for the KZN driver network.

• Maintain regular communication with drivers and identify community concerns, morale issues, and retention risks.

• Support driver engagement and retention initiatives.

• Manage escalations appropriately and support a smooth transition when a dedicated community manager is appointed.

What You Bring

• Proven experience in regional operations, field operations, fleet operations, driver management, community operations, logistics or a closely related environment.

• Strong organisational and administrative capability, with excellent attention to detail.

• Experience managing multiple operational priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Strong data administration and reporting skills.

• Confidence working with operational systems and maintaining accurate records.

• Ability to analyse operational data, identify trends and make practical recommendations.

• Strong stakeholder and client relationship management skills.

• Experience coordinating activations, events, field campaigns, or similar on-the-ground activities will be advantageous.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with drivers, clients, and internal teams.

• A hands-on approach and willingness to work both in an office environment and in the field.

• Ability to manage operational issues, escalations, and competing priorities calmly and effectively.

• Strong accountability for deadlines, compliance, and quality standards.

• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel within KwaZulu-Natal are expected for the regional nature of the role.

What Success Looks Like

• At least 10 new drivers recruited each week.

• 100% completion of monthly driver quality inspections within the required timeframe.

• All scheduled flightings and activations successfully delivered on time and within budget.

• Accurate and current driver, inventory, and operational system records.

• Weekly Top Box reconciliations completed accurately and on schedule.

• Weekly and monthly operational reports submitted accurately and on time.

• Strong compliance, data accuracy, and operational control across the KZN region.

• Consistent and constructive engagement with active KZN clients.

• Reliable execution of regional activations and campaign requirements.

• A well-engaged driver community with concerns and escalations addressed within agreed timeframes.

Clear identification of operational risks and practical recommendations that improve regional performance