Role Title: Director of Logistics and Transport
Sector/Environment: Industrial manufacturing and distribution company with national and international supply chain operations
Location: Hybrid / Warrington (Cheshire) – head office based with responsibility for multi‑site UK logistics network
Contract Type: Permanent (via AVTAV executive placement or direct hire support)
Salary: £80,000 per annum basic + attractive benefits package (including performance bonus, company car/allowance, pension, private healthcare, and executive perks – details to be confirmed)
Reports To: Managing Director / CEO
Direct Reports: Transport Manager, Warehouse Manager, Planning & Compliance Team, Logistics Coordinators (team size approx. 8–12 direct/indirect)
Purpose of Role: To lead and strategically direct all aspects of logistics, transport, and supply chain operations for a high‑volume industrial business. The Director will drive efficiency, cost optimisation, compliance, and service excellence across road freight, warehousing, inventory management, and third‑party logistics partnerships, ensuring seamless support for production, customer delivery, and business growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the overall logistics and transport strategy aligned with company goals, including long‑term planning, fleet optimisation, and multi‑modal transport solutions (road, rail, intermodal where applicable).
- Oversee daily transport operations, route planning, vehicle utilisation, driver management, and subcontractor performance to achieve maximum efficiency and on‑time delivery KPIs.
- Manage warehousing and distribution centres, including stock control, inventory accuracy, space utilisation, and process improvements (e.g., WMS implementation, lean methodologies).
- Lead supplier and carrier relationship management, negotiating contracts, rates, and SLAs with hauliers, 3PL providers, and key stakeholders to drive cost savings and service improvements.
- Ensure full regulatory compliance across all transport activities (Working Time Directive, tachograph rules, drivers’ hours, Operator’s Licence, ADR if hazardous goods involved, environmental standards).
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (transport costs per unit, on‑time in‑full delivery, fuel efficiency, accident/incident rates, carbon footprint) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for the logistics function, delivering year‑on‑year savings while maintaining or improving service levels.
- Build and develop a high‑performing logistics team through recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
- Collaborate closely with production, sales, procurement, and finance teams to align logistics with demand planning, capacity, and customer requirements.
- Drive adoption of technology (TMS, WMS, telematics, route optimisation software) and innovation to future‑prove the supply chain.
- Manage risk, crisis response (e.g., driver shortages, fuel crises, port disruptions), and business continuity planning for the logistics function.
- Minimum 10+ years’ progressive experience in logistics and transport management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership / director‑level role within industrial, manufacturing, distribution, or heavy haulage sectors.
- Proven track record of leading large‑scale logistics operations, managing multi‑site teams, and delivering significant cost reductions and efficiency gains.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating high‑value transport and 3PL contracts.
- Deep knowledge of UK/EU road transport regulations, Operator’s Licence compliance, and best‑practice fleet management.
- Experience implementing and optimising TMS/WMS systems and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a history of building high‑performing teams.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical, budgeting, and project management abilities.
- Full UK driving licence (clean and valid).
- Right to Work in the UK (valid documentation required).
- Degree or professional qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management (e.g., CILT Diploma, CPC National/International).
- Experience with international freight forwarding, customs procedures, or multi‑modal transport.
- Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement certification.
- Previous experience in Warrington/North West industrial logistics environment (advantageous due to regional transport networks).
Benefits Package
- Basic salary: £80,000 per annum
- Performance‑related bonus (typically 15–25% of basic, paid annually)
- Private healthcare / medical insurance
- Pension scheme with generous employer contribution
- 25+ days holiday + bank holidays
- Life assurance and other executive benefits
- Professional development support (e.g., CILT membership, executive coaching)
