Job Purpose
The Transport Manager will oversee and optimize our transport and logistics operations, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of goods.
Main Duties
* Transport Operations & Fleet Management: Oversee the daily operations of all transport activities, ensuring on-time deliveries and cost efficiency.
* Manage fleet maintenance, servicing, and compliance, ensuring vehicles meet legal and safety standards.
* Ensure compliance with Transport legislation (Drivers Regulations, Working Time Directive, and Road Traffic Act) and Health and Safety at Work Act.
* Optimize delivery routes and transport schedules to reduce costs and improve service levels.
* Monitor and improve fuel efficiency, driver performance, and vehicle utilization.
* Ensure working time records are recorded and controlled.
* Ensure all Digi cards and vehicle units are downloaded, and records kept.
* Ensure the availability of transport resources to meet business demands, including peak periods.
Managing Third-Party Delivery Providers
* Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with third-party logistics (3 PL) providers and external hauliers.
* Monitor 3 PL performance, service levels, and costs, ensuring they meet business needs and customer expectations.
* Implement KPIs and SLAs for external logistics providers, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
* Identify cost-saving opportunities through carrier consolidation, rate negotiations, and network optimization.
* Work closely with 3 PL providers to manage peak periods, special deliveries, and contingency planning.
* Conduct regular performance reviews with external partners to drive efficiency and reliability.
Compliance & Health & Safety
* Ensure full compliance with transport regulations, DVSA standards, and health & safety laws.
* Maintain up-to-date operator licenses, tachograph records, driver hours, and vehicle inspections.
* Implement best practices in driver safety training, risk assessments, and incident reporting.
* Work closely with external regulatory bodies and auditors to maintain compliance.
Cost Control & Efficiency Improvement
* Control transport budgets, analyzing costs and identifying savings opportunities.
* Implement cost-effective transport solutions, including fuel-saving initiatives and contract negotiations with third-party logistics providers.
* Use data-driven decision-making, leveraging transport management systems (TMS) and fleet tracking software.
Leadership & Team Development
* Lead, develop, and motivate the transport team, ensuring high levels of performance and engagement.
* Oversee driver recruitment, training, and performance management to maintain operational excellence.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and teamwork.
Essential Criteria:
* Experience in transport management, logistics, or fleet operations within food manufacturing, FMCG, or distribution.
* CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Transport Management (Essential).
* Strong knowledge of transport regulations, compliance (DVSA, Operator License), and health & safety requirements.
* Proven track record in cost control, route optimization, and improving transport efficiency.
* Leadership experience, managing and developing driver teams and logistics staff.
* Ability to use Transport Management Systems (TMS) and fleet tracking software.
* Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, working with internal teams and external partners.
Desirable Criteria:
* NEBOSH or IOSH certification in Health & Safety (Desirable).
* Experience with logistics automation, telematics, and vehicle tracking systems.
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm.
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 (DOE)