Overview
This role is in support of Cencora's wholesale distribution services in Europe operating through Alliance Healthcare. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of Alliance Healthcare UK's new, next-generation Central Logistics Centre (CLC). You will play a pivotal role in the launch, continuous improvement and ongoing success of this world-class facility. The CLC is designed with advanced automation and robotics to redefine how Alliance Healthcare manages and delivers medical, health and beauty products to customers across the UK. The Transport General Manager will oversee all aspects of the transport operations, aligning operational performance with strategic goals, with priority on delivering a safe and legally compliant transport function. The role involves driving standardisation, service performance, cost-efficiency, route optimisation, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with warehouse operations and team members. The role holder will progress team development and career progression through clear leadership and support and will include responsibility for multi-site transport operations following the CLC go-live.
Responsibilities
* Oversee the daily transport operations at designated Service Centres, ensuring they are managed effectively through the agreed structure at each site.
* Lead transport change projects to support design and implementation.
* Ensure effective and auditable business resilience plans are in place and tested regularly.
* Manage the Union relationship on site at the CLC and other sites, building positive and mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.
* Implement operational strategies to improve productivity and efficiency in line with company requirements.
* Identify, monitor, and manage systemic and operational improvements through best practices across the network.
* Focus on delivering enhanced services to internal and external customers.
* Lead team development and succession planning.
* Lead, mentor and develop team members in supporting the People Plan and team member life cycle through the HR business model.
* Support the growth and development of individual team members through succession planning and Personal Development Plan (PDP) management.
* Ensure sites are appropriately structured and staffed to meet operational needs.
* Demonstrate confidence and dependability during times of disruption.
* Be proactive in personal development and model continuous self-development within the team.
* Support teams to achieve engagement goals and use survey results to deliver transport action development plans.
* Conduct performance reviews and provide timely feedback to all team members.
* Foster an inclusive and supportive team environment by promoting diversity and ensuring all team members feel valued and able to contribute to Cencora Alliance Healthcare's success.
* Champion and lead the health and safety culture with safe processes, procedures and continuous improvement.
* Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments in collaboration with the H&S Leader.
* Maintain high safety standards aligned with Target Zero H&S policies.
* Support the delivery of the environmental strategy, including vehicle technology, alternative fuels and operating practices.
* Ensure operating standards are achieved and maintained in accordance with DVSA, MHRA, Environmental Health and H&S requirements, in collaboration with relevant departments.
* Accountable for compliance adherence across operations.
* Ensure all operations meet regulatory requirements including driver and vehicle compliance and environmental standards.
* Develop, implement, and maintain financial and KPI targets for Transport operations and monitor performance to meet targets.
* Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices; ensure headcount supports service and productivity goals.
* Manage budgets, control costs, and allocate resources efficiently; prepare regular reports for senior management.
* Monitor expenses, purchase orders and invoicing to ensure cost-effective operations.
* Establish and maintain effective communication channels across the network; ensure relevant parties are involved in cross-department communication at all Service Centre sites.
* Direct reports: 1-6; headcount: 250+ indirect reports; budget: £12m per annum; travel and occasional overnight commitments outside normal hours, including some evenings and weekends.
* Hold a full driving licence and be on-call for emergency orders and participate in weekend working rosters as required.
* May be required to take responsibility for transport operations at other sites.
Qualifications and Experience
* Previous experience of managing a fast-moving, high-volume multi-site distribution network.
* Experience in Wholesale & Retail Temperature Controlled Transport Operations.
* Experience in managing large teams and vehicles within compliance and safety guidelines.
* Experience in a highly customer-focused environment.
* CPC or similar qualification required.
* Demonstrates ability to develop and communicate a clear vision and drive significant change projects.
* Knowledge of regulatory compliance and quality standards in pharmaceutical distribution.
* Excellent knowledge of Microsoft tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams).
* Experience with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
* Leadership experience with a proven ability to build a cohesive team and deliver strategic plans.
* Experience leading complex activities to deliver strategic objectives.
* Ensuring transport site security standards are maintained in collaboration with the National Security Manager.
* Excellent communication skills, strong verbal and written English, and the ability to keep teams informed using multiple methods.
* Strong personal influencing and consultative skills; ability to work under pressure with a positive, proactive attitude.
* High attention to detail and strong, accurate processes to achieve targets.
* Ability to carry out complex negotiations with the capacity to adapt to stressful situations.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and adaptability to handle new challenges.
Note
Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. If you want to make a difference at the center of health, come join our innovative company and help us improve the lives of people and animals everywhere. Apply today!
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