Executive Director to the CEO

Job description

Role Overview

The Executive Director to the CEO will act as the CEO’s right-hand partner — a trusted advisor, strategist and operational leader responsible for translating the business’ vision for growth into measurable results. The role demands deep fleet management and transport operations expertise, strong commercial and financial acumen and proven track record to deliver measurable performance improvements in a growing, asset-intensive business.

This individual will play a pivotal role in driving growth, profitability and organisational alignment as Zeus enters its next phase of expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership and business growth

• Partner with the CEO to define and execute strategic priorities that drive business expansion and operational excellence.
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and contracts within the fleet management, corporate transport, and tourism markets.
• Oversee performance initiatives that improve fleet utilisation, revenue generation, and customer satisfaction.
• Support the CEO in managing strategic relationships with key clients, government entities, and regulatory bodies.

Operational excellence

• Lead and optimise day-to-day fleet and operational processes — from scheduling, dispatch, and maintenance to driver management and customer service.
• Implement systems and performance metrics that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure safety and compliance across the fleet.
• Champion innovation and technology adoption in areas such as telematics, fuel efficiency, and preventative maintenance.
• Drive data-driven decision-making through reporting and analytics on fleet costs, productivity, and profitability.

Commercial and financial stewardship

• Work alongside the CEO and finance team to shape annual budgets, forecasts, and business models that support scalable growth.
• Monitor financial performance across divisions and implement cost-optimisation strategies.
• Negotiate key commercial agreements, supply contracts, and service-level partnerships.
• Support funding initiatives, investment cases, and business plan presentations where required.

People and culture

• Represent and reinforce the CEO’s vision and leadership ethos across the business.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and service excellence.
• Mentor and empower operations managers and team leaders to enhance organisational capability.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between operational teams and executive leadership.

Key requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ senior management experience within the fleet management, transport, or logistics sectors.
• Relevant qualification, diploma or degree in Business, Transport Management, Engineering, or a related discipline; MBA advantageous.
• Proven track record in driving operational efficiency, business growth, and financial performance.
• Deep understanding of fleet operations, including maintenance planning, asset lifecycle management, fuel optimisation, and safety compliance.
• Strong financial literacy and commercial negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and strategic planning abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-scaling environment.

Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinker with a strong execution mindset.
• Confident communicator capable of influencing at all levels.
• Entrepreneurial and agile. Ability to operate in both boardroom and operational settings.
• Passionate about the transport industry, safety and delivering operational excellence.

Company Description

Zeus Shuttles and Coaches is a fast-growing, proudly South African luxury transport company providing reliable, safe and efficient shuttle and coach services across the country.
We offer premium shuttle and bus services tailored to each client’s travel needs, whether for small groups, large groups, or solo travellers. From individual tours to corporate tours, we tailor each trip to meet the needs of our customers.
We provide airport transfers, corporate travel, group tours and tailored family getaways.
With a team of over 100 employees and a rapidly expanding fleet of more than 40 luxury buses and shuttles, Zeus Shuttles & Coaches has become a trusted name in passenger transport solutions for both corporate and institutional clients.
The company’s success is driven by a commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, safety and innovation. As Zeus Shuttles & Coaches continues to scale its operations, it seeks to strengthen its executive leadership team with a strategic, high-performing professional who will partner directly with the CEO to drive business growth, efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Posted on 07 Oct 17:40, Closing date 8 Nov