Transport/Dispatch Lead - PPU

Transport/Dispatch Lead - PPU

Reports To: Transport/Dispatch Manager

Location: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals

Job Summary

The Transportation/Dispatch Lead is responsible for the day-to-day execution and shift-level supervision of dispatch, loading, and weighbridge operations for the Polypropylene (PP) plant. The role ensures the safe, accurate, and timely loading and dispatch of finished PP product via road and bulk carriers in line with the daily dispatch plan, while maintaining accurate documentation, yard traffic flow, and compliance with HSE and process safety standards. The Transportation/Dispatch Lead acts as the operational backbone of the dispatch function, translating the Transport/Dispatch Manager's schedules and policies into reliable, on-the-ground execution.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Dispatch Execution & Scheduling

• Execute the daily/shift dispatch plan issued by the Transport/Dispatch Manager, sequencing vehicles and rail cars for loading based on priority and readiness.

• Monitor real-time dispatch progress against plan, proactively flagging delays or bottlenecks and adjusting sequencing to minimize disruption.

• Coordinate with Warehouse/Production teams to confirm product and quantity availability ahead of scheduled loading slots.

• Communicate loading instructions and schedules clearly to drivers, transporters, and loading bay staff.

• Weighbridge, Gatehouse & Loading Operations

• Coordinate with weighbridge and gatehouse staff to ensure accurate vehicle check-in, weight capture (tare/gross/net), and documentation checks.

• Oversee loading bay operations, verifying correct product grade, batch number, and quantity before dispatch, in line with quality and traceability requirements.

• Ensure loading equipment (forklifts, loading arms, conveyors, palletizers) is used correctly and any faults are reported and escalated promptly.

• Manage yard traffic flow and vehicle queuing to minimize congestion and turnaround time, particularly during peak dispatch periods.

• Team Supervision & Shift Leadership

• Supervise and coordinate weighbridge operators, loading coordinators, transport clerks, and yard marshals across assigned shifts.

• Conduct shift handovers, toolbox talks, and daily briefings to align the team on dispatch priorities and safety focus areas.

• Allocate manpower across weighbridge, gatehouse, and loading bay functions based on daily dispatch volume. • Provide on-the-job coaching and training to dispatch staff on procedures, systems, and safety practices.

• Documentation, Compliance & HSE

• Verify accuracy and completeness of dispatch documentation, including delivery notes, weighbridge tickets, and certificates of analysis, prior to vehicle release.

• Ensure drivers and vehicles pass pre-loading safety and documentation checks (e.g., valid permits, PPE, vehicle condition) before entering the loading bay.

• Enforce HSE and process safety standards during loading, weighing, and yard operations, including static/spark-risk controls relevant to PP handling.

• Report and support investigation of near-misses, incidents, product damage, or documentation errors occurring during dispatch operations.

• Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Liaise with the Warehouse Lead to align storage location and dispatch-readiness of product with the loading schedule.

• Coordinate with transporters and rail operators on vehicle/rail-car availability and scheduling changes.

• Identify opportunities to reduce loading turnaround time, queue time, and documentation errors, and propose improvements to the Transportation/Dispatch Manager.

• Maintain accurate shift records and prepare handover/performance summaries for the incoming shift and management reporting.

• Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree/HND in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Certification in Logistics/Transportation or Dangerous Goods/Hazmat Transport handling is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in transportation, dispatch, or logistics operations, preferably within a petrochemical, polymer, refinery, or bulk manufacturing environment.

• Prior experience with bulk/hazardous product loading (road tanker, rail car, or bulk carrier) and weighbridge operations strongly preferred.

• At least 2–3 years in a shift-supervisory or team-lead capacity managing dispatch, weighbridge, or yard personnel.

• Working knowledge of transport documentation, dangerous goods handling requirements, and HSE standards relevant to petrochemical product dispatch.

• Hands-on experience with SAP SD/TM or equivalent dispatch/ERP systems required.

• Functional Competencies

• Dispatch scheduling and shift-level execution against a daily/weekly loading plan.

• Weighbridge and loading bay operations, including documentation and quantity verification. • Yard traffic and queue management for road and rail vehicles.

• Knowledge of PP resin handling requirements and hazardous/dangerous goods transport regulations.

• Transport documentation accuracy and traceability (delivery notes, weighbridge tickets, certificates of analysis). • HSE and process safety standards for loading and yard operations in a petrochemical setting.

• Basic root-cause analysis for dispatch delays, documentation errors, or loading incidents.

• Behavioral Competencies

• Strong shift-leadership and supervisory skills, able to coordinate multiple functions (weighbridge, loading, yard) simultaneously.

• High attention to detail, particularly for documentation accuracy and product/batch verification.

• Calm, decisive approach to managing schedule disruptions, vehicle queues, and time-pressured loading windows. • Safety-first mindset with proactive hazard identification in the yard and loading bay.

• Clear communicator, able to coordinate effectively with drivers, transporters, warehouse staff, and shift teams. • Reliable and accountable, with strong ownership of shift-level dispatch performance.

• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, 24/7 industrial dispatch environment.

• Digital/SAP Competencies

• Working proficiency in SAP SD (Sales & Distribution) for outbound delivery processing, goods issue, and dispatch documentation.

• Familiarity with SAP TM (Transportation Management) or equivalent systems for shipment/vehicle scheduling. • Ability to operate weighbridge automation and electronic ticketing systems integrated with SAP.

• Basic proficiency in MS Excel for shift dispatch tracking, queue logs, and performance reporting.

• Familiarity with telematics/GPS vehicle tracking and electronic proof-of-delivery tools is an advantage.

• Ability to accurately capture and post same-shift transactions in SAP to maintain real-time dispatch visibility.