Top achiever
De Jager, Business Development: Solutions Manager at Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions, never rests on her laurels; it’s always a case of upwards and onwards for this trucking professional. For instance, she recently participated in the pioneering Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport programme, which is organised by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA).
She joined the programme because of her quest for knowledge. “I joined the CTA’s most recent Excellence Programme as I am a strong believer that continuous learning is essential for attaining critical thinking skills. As part of our rainbow nation, I wanted to find new ways of relating to women from different cultures. I realised that the knowledge that I would gain would ensure that my skills remained relevant.
“The continuous learning helps me step out of my comfort zone and take on new projects. I knew that joining the CTA’s Excellence Programme would enhance my profile. I believe that any new skill that I learn will help me find innovative solutions to challenges. My passion for continuous lifelong learning helps develop my leadership skills which I hope will encourage young people to follow the example I am setting,” De Jager explains.
In a major milestone for members of the fairer sex in logistics, transport and supply chain in South Africa, De Jager was one of 95 women to graduate with an international qualification in logistics and transport. But this self-acclaimed “life-long learner” didn’t just complete the intense 10-month training programme and then graduate; she was one of the top three students!
Kas Govender, director of the CTA, cannot speak highly enough of this dynamic woman. “Jo-Anne has been an exceptional performer, achieving the highest scores in all academic modules, including her overall results in the International Diploma. Jo-Anne is a consistent and diligent student who gives her best at all times. Her passion and dedication towards her career development are inspiring,” she maintains.
Career in transport and logistics
It is that same passion and dedication that has seen De Jager carve out a remarkably successful career for herself. “After starting my career as a debtor’s clerk in a big logistics company, I was promoted to a marketing position in the same company. I was then headhunted by Unitrans. At Unitrans, I was employed as a project manager. I then moved to the Business Development team. I am now a successful professional with a wealth of transferable skills gained in the logistics and transport industry over the past 23 years,” she says with immense pride.
With a history stemming back to 1962, Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions is a leading provider of integrated transportation, warehousing, and supply chain-based services to customers with a variety of needs, offering bespoke value propositions in each segment. The company operates 5 000 vehicles, has 78 depots in South Africa, and operates across 11 markets in Africa. Unitrans forms part of KAP Industrial Holdings Limited, a JSE-listed diversified industrial group consisting of industrial, chemical and logistics businesses.
Wanted: new customers
De Jager’s role at Unitrans is both diverse and challenging. “I am very passionate about the transport and logistics industry, and I enjoy solving problems for my company and our customers. Some of my current responsibilities include identifying possible new customers and generating leads by analysing trends and markets.”
She is known for being skilled at developing great customer relationships, whilst understanding the customer’s business requirements. “I am skilled in assessing the feasibility of identified opportunities. The most rewarding successes are starting partnerships with new clients. The Unitrans Business Development team has added many new customers to our company – and these customers remain with Unitrans for many years,” she notes.
More women behind the wheel
While many of the customers have remained constant, De Jager notes that the industry itself is quite different from what it was when she cut her teeth in transport and logistics. “This industry is constantly changing and there are more women in leadership roles and upper management positions in logistics companies. We also now see more women driving trucks.”
This certainly wasn’t the case when she entered the industry. “I remember facing a lot of discrimination in the work environment many years ago. I was denied a promotion because I was a woman. I often felt dismissed, invisible and insignificant. I also found out that my salary was far lower than that of a male co-worker in the same position.
“Over the years the equality of women has improved drastically. I am very privileged to currently be employed at Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions. It is part of our culture to provide equal opportunities to all staff regardless of their gender. I think it’s important for women to know they have a voice that needs to be heard,” De Jager says.
Women rule
She also believes that the increasing prominence of women in transport and logistics makes sense. “Women are excellent inspirational leaders and great at coaching. Their ability to multitask, their attention to detail and their empathy are all skills that are hugely beneficial to companies,” she maintains.
Accordingly, she hopes to see more and more women enter transport and logistics. “To those women, I say this: Being informed will help build your confidence and you’ll be a valuable asset to your company. If you are offered the chance to take leadership on a project, don’t turn it down, but don’t wait for opportunities, either.” De Jager has clearly followed her own advice – and the results are evident in her success.
