transport manager jobs

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and highly organised Transport Manager to lead our transport operation and ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of our services. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the transport department, ensuring compliance with UK transport legislation, maintaining high standards of operational performance, and leading a team of transport professionals.

This is a hands-on management role requiring excellent leadership, planning, and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will be expected to support day-to-day transport operations while driving continuous improvement, developing employees, and maintaining a strong culture of safety, compliance, and customer service.

Key ResponsibilitiesTransport Operations Management

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the transport department.
• Ensure the efficient utilisation of vehicles, drivers, and resources.
• Manage the FORS accreditation.
• Plan and oversee daily transport schedules to maximise productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure ISO9001 is managed ready for audit.
• Monitor fleet performance and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
• Ensure transport operations meet service level agreements and customer expectations.
• Manage vehicle availability and coordinate maintenance schedules to minimise downtime.
• Respond effectively to operational issues and implement contingency plans when required.
• Work closely with warehouse, logistics, operations, and customer service teams to ensure smooth operational delivery.Transport Planning & Cover
• Oversee transport planning activities to ensure efficient route planning and vehicle utilisation.
• Provide planning cover during periods of annual leave, sickness, peak demand, or operational absence.
• Ensure transport plans remain compliant with driver hours legislation, Working Time Directive requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor route performance and identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvements.
• Support planners with complex routing decisions and operational problem solving.
• Assist with emergency transport planning outside normal working hours when operationally required.

Operator Licence & Legal Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence undertakings at all times.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant legislation, including:
• DVSA regulations
• Traffic Commissioner requirements
• Driver Hours Regulations
• Working Time Directive
• Road Transport Working Time Regulations
• Health & Safety legislation
• Vehicle defect reporting procedures
• Load security requirements
• Ensure accurate record keeping and document control.
• Prepare the business for DVSA inspections and audits.
• Maintain all compliance systems and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly.

Fleet Management

• Manage the company's commercial vehicle fleet.
• Ensure preventative maintenance inspections are completed on schedule.
• Liaise with maintenance providers regarding servicing and repairs.
• Monitor MOT schedules and vehicle roadworthiness.
• Oversee daily vehicle defect reporting procedures.
• Monitor fuel usage and identify opportunities to reduce operating costs.
• Manage vehicle breakdown procedures and recovery arrangements.
• Assist with fleet replacement planning and future vehicle investment.

Driver Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage drivers and transport office staff.
• Conduct driver interviews, inductions and onboarding.
• Monitor driver performance using telematics and compliance reporting.
• Carry out return-to-work interviews, performance reviews, and disciplinary investigations where necessary.
• Ensure drivers maintain professional standards and company values.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, infringements, and customer complaints.
• Promote high standards of customer service and professionalism.

Staff Leadership, Development & Mentoring

• Provide strong leadership across the transport department.
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees to achieve their full potential.
• Support and mentor apprentices through structured learning, workplace development, and regular progress reviews.
• Identify training requirements and coordinate ongoing development plans.
• Encourage continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance appraisals.
• Promote succession planning by developing future supervisors and managers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.

Compliance & Training

• Ensure all drivers hold valid licences and qualifications.
• Monitor CPC training requirements.
• Deliver toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Ensure all drivers conduct and meet FORS Gold Training.
• Ensure all transport staff receive appropriate training.
• Maintain accurate training records.
• Promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety legislation.
• Promote a positive safety culture throughout the department.
• Investigate accidents and near misses.
• Conduct risk assessments where appropriate.
• Ensure safe loading and unloading practices.
• Support environmental initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Financial & Commercial Responsibilities

• Manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor transport costs and identify savings opportunities.
• Control agency driver expenditure.
• Review supplier performance and negotiate where appropriate.
• Produce transport KPI reports and operational performance data.
• Support business growth through efficient resource planning.

Reporting & Administration

• Produce weekly and monthly management reports.
• Monitor KPIs including:
• Vehicle utilisation
• Driver performance
• Delivery performance
• Fuel consumption
• Compliance performance
• Vehicle downtime
• Maintain transport records and statutory documentation.
• Prepare reports for senior management.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Implement new processes and best practices.
• Support digital transport systems and transport management software.
• Lead improvement projects across the transport function.
• Encourage innovation and employee engagement.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Previous experience as a Transport Manager within the UK transport industry.
• Strong knowledge of Operator Licence requirements.
• Excellent understanding of:
• DVSA regulations
• FORS accreditations.
• Driver Hours Regulations
• Working Time Directive
• Transport legislation
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience managing drivers and transport office teams.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability.
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office.
• Experience using Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• International CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Road Haulage.
• Experience managing mixed commercial fleets.
• Experience mentoring apprentices and supporting staff development.
• Knowledge of FORS accreditation or similar compliance standards.
• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.
• Experience with transport compliance software and telematics systems.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Professionalism and integrity.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational ability.
• A proactive approach to problem solving.
• High attention to detail.
• Calmness under pressure.
• Commitment to safety and compliance.
• Ability to build positive working relationships.
• A passion for developing people and improving operational performance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Company bonus (dependent on personnel performance and the company profitability)
• Company pension.
• Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• CPC training support.
• FORS Training.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Company events.
• Free on-site parking.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Equality Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Transport Manager with a strong understanding of UK transport legislation, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for operational excellence, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply today with your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.

Pay: From £45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person