Job Description
Job Description: General Manager – UK & European event work
Position Title: General Manager
Industry: Logistics, Transport & Haulage
Reports To: Managing Director
Location: Lympne - CT21 4LR
Role Purpose
The General Manager will oversee all operational, commercial, and strategic aspects of a UK and European haulage business. The role is responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and profitable delivery of transport services across domestic and international routes. This includes leading multi-site teams, optimising fleet utilisation, managing key customer relationships, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with UK and EU transport legislation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
Oversee day-to-day transport operations across UK and EU routes, ensuring service excellence and on-time delivery.
Optimise fleet utilisation, driver scheduling, load planning, and routing.
Lead depot and operations teams, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
Ensure effective management of subcontractors, agency drivers, and third-party logistics partners.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes.
2. Compliance & Safety
Maintain full compliance with the UK’s Operator Licence requirements working alongside the transport manager including adherence to DVSA guidelines, tachograph laws, Working Time Directive, and vehicle maintenance standards.
Ensure compliance with European transport regulations (EU Mobility Package, cabotage rules, driving hours, border controls).
Manage audits, risk assessments, and health & safety protocols across the business.
Promote a strong safety culture, supported by training and performance management.
3. Financial & Commercial Management
Own the P&L for the transport division, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
Analyse KPIs such as cost-per-mile, fuel efficiency, trailer utilisation, and empty running.
Develop and implement pricing strategies, tenders, and commercial proposals.
Identify and deliver revenue growth opportunities.
Manage supplier contracts (fuel, maintenance, leasing, technology).
4. Customer & Stakeholder Management
Build strong relationships with key customers, ensuring excellent service levels and retention.
Resolve escalated service issues quickly and effectively.
Develop new business opportunities in collaboration with the commercial team.
Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and supplier negotiations.
5. Strategic Development
Lead the operational execution of the company’s strategic objectives.
Identify market trends, regulatory changes, and technological innovations (e.g., telematics, automation, fleet decarbonisation).
Drive continuous development of fleet strategies, alternative fuels, and asset optimisation.
Support growth initiatives, including new depot openings or European expansion.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
Proven leadership experience within UK and European haulage or logistics operations.
Strong understanding of UK O-Licence compliance, EU transport regulations, and industry best practices.
Track record managing large teams and multi-site operations.
Strong commercial acumen with P&L accountability.
Experience using transport management systems (TMS), telematics, fleet tracking, and route optimisation tools.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
Experience with cross-border freight (e.g., France, Germany, Benelux, Ireland).
Knowledge of freight forwarding, customs procedures, or Brexit-related regulations.
Experience leading digital transformation or fleet modernisation projects.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time delivery performance (OTIF)
Fleet utilisation & empty running metrics
Profit margin & operating costs
Customer satisfaction & retention
Compliance scores (DVSA, internal audits)
Driver retention & safety record
Personal Attributes
Strategic thinker with strong operational discipline
Solutions-oriented and decisive
Motivational leader who can build high-performing teams
Strong communicator with a professional, customer-focused approach
Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, regulated industry
Contact: Natasha Chappell - Email: natasha@freight44.com