Dispatcher

About the Role

The Dispatcher is accountable for organizing and overseeing daily truck movements to guarantee timely and safe delivery of petroleum products. This role involves communicating with truck drivers, suppliers, clients, and terminal operators to ensure smooth loading, transport, and discharge operations. Additionally, it encompasses managing fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, driver allowances, and supporting inventory and safety procedures. The position operates on a 12-hour shift cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise daily delivery plans and allocate trucks and drivers in alignment with schedules.
• Maintain ongoing communication with drivers during trips to ensure punctual deliveries.
• Liaise with suppliers to arrange loading and coordinate discharge with clients at delivery points.
• Monitor truck routes, address delays, and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Calculate and process trip allowances for drivers accurately based on completed journeys.
• Enforce adherence to company procedures, delivery documentation protocols, and traffic laws by drivers.
• Collaborate with terminal operators for efficient loading and unloading operations.
• Supervise tanker loading/unloading and product transfer activities, prioritizing safety and compliance.
• Schedule truck arrivals and assign loading windows to optimize terminal throughput.
• Manage receipt, storage, and distribution logistics for diesel, gasoil, and other petroleum products.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs with mechanics to reduce vehicle downtime.
• Administer vehicle registrations and compliance documentation with regulatory authorities.
• Monitor traffic violations, report incidents, and ensure corrective measures for drivers.
• Identify vehicle and equipment defects and facilitate timely maintenance to prevent disruptions.
• Support inventory measurements and reconciliation efforts, maintaining accurate stock and delivery records.
• Investigate discrepancies in inventory or delivery and report findings.
• Champion health, safety, and environmental standards, conducting safety briefings and promoting PPE usage.
• Report and assist in investigations of incidents, spills, and near misses; participate in emergency response.
• Oversee driver performance, attendance, and adherence to procedures; foster teamwork among drivers and yard personnel.
• Prepare comprehensive daily reports on trips, stock, and shift handovers; ensure compliance with documentation standards.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Transport Management, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in fuel distribution, terminal, depot, or petroleum transport operations.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience as a dispatcher or fleet coordinator in transport or terminal environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing tanker fleets and scheduling deliveries is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with RTA vehicle registration and compliance is advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• In-depth understanding of fuel distribution, fleet dispatch, and terminal operation processes.
• Competence in tanker loading and unloading scheduling and delivery planning.
• Knowledge of truck maintenance planning including preventive upkeep.
• Strong adherence to HSE standards relevant to petroleum and road transport activities.
• Proficient in coordinating and supervising drivers over extended 12-hour shifts.
• Excellent planning, communication, and problem-resolution skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and operational reporting tools.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, outdoor terminal work environment.

Working Conditions

• Shift work consisting of 12-hour rotations, including day and night shifts.
• Work based at a terminal yard and transport office with frequent field interactions.
• Exposure to varying weather and petroleum product handling.
• May require weekend work and emergency availability according to operation demands.