Transport Manager
Role Purpose
Responsible for leading safe, legal, and commercially successful haulage operations. This role manages operational staff and drivers, promoting a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure exceptional customer service. The position holds overall responsibility for fleet management, legal compliance, budget adherence, and supplier management. This role also carries O-Licence responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Haulage, Compliance & Fleet Operations
• Ensure full legal compliance in all areas of transport and fleet operations.
• Manage the reporting and publication of Service, Revenue, and Cost KPIs, aligned with performance targets.
• Drive best practices in Health & Safety, ensuring adherence to SSOWs and fostering a strong safety culture.
• Maintain and develop standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance across operations.
• Oversee management of fleet, fuel usage, subcontractors, and other suppliers, ensuring cost efficiency and service quality.
• Maximise fleet uptime while managing operational costs.
Customer Service
• Champion high levels of service, ensuring customer satisfaction remains at the core of all transport activities.
• Develop strong relationships with clients, internal departments, and external suppliers to continually improve service delivery.
Commercial
• Monitor and manage all operational costs, with a strong focus on fleet-related expenditure.
• Report regularly on revenue, cost performance, and budget variances.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements across key operational areas including vehicle utilisation, fuel efficiency, maintenance, training, and compliance.
People Management
• Lead, develop, and manage a team including planners, supervisors, administrators, and drivers.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for operational and driving staff.
• Implement structured training and development plans, supporting career progression and succession planning.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and holiday cover to maintain operational continuity.
• Coach and mentor team members to foster high performance and initiative.
• Lead on employee relations matters, including investigations and disciplinary processes, in collaboration with HR.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Service Levels & OCRS Scores
• Haulage P&L Performance
• Fleet Costs vs. Budget
• Staff Retention and Absence Rates
• Resolution of Service Issues within 24 Hours
• Compliance with WTD and Tachograph Rules
Direct Reports
• Transport Operations Supervisor
• Transport Planning Supervisor
• Compliance Manager
• Drivers
• Fleet Administrator
• Garage Staff
• Night Shift Manager
Routine Activities
Daily
• Driver engagement
• Morning briefings and issue resolution
• Liaison with warehouse and planning teams
Weekly
• KPI reviews and performance updates
• Budget monitoring and expenditure approval
• Coordination of training activities
Monthly
• Driver briefings and safety talks
• Review of vehicle performance metrics
• H&S reporting and financial performance reviews
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
• National CPC qualification (essential)
• Experience managing a multi-customer, multi-drop, groupage transport operation
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation (including EU tachograph, WTD, vehicle weights & dimensions)
• Experience with KPI design, supplier management, and cost control
• Competent with IT systems including Transport Management Systems (TMS)
• Experience managing fleets with a mix of manufacturer R&M agreements and local service providers
Leadership Competencies
• Strong communicator at all levels
• Resilient and solutions-focused
• Excellent people management and team leadership skills
• Capable of working under pressure with a pragmatic, adaptable approach
• High levels of integrity, approachability, and professionalism