Key Responsibilities
* Fleet Management & Compliance
o Ensure all transport operations comply with UK legislation, DVSA requirements, Operator's Licence conditions, and EU road transport regulations.
o Oversee vehicle maintenance schedules, inspections, MOTs, and defect reporting systems.
o Maintain up-to-date records for drivers' hours, tachographs, and Working Time Directive compliance.
* Operational Management
o Plan, allocate, and monitor transport routes for maximum efficiency and service reliability.
o Liaise with warehouse, commercial, and operations teams to ensure timely fruit deliveries to retail and wholesale customers.
o Manage driver recruitment, training, and ongoing performance reviews.
* Strategic Development
o Lead the planned expansion of the in-house HGV fleet over the next two years, including procurement, budgeting, and resourcing.
o Drive continuous improvement in cost-control, vehicle utilisation, and service performance.
* Storage & Logistics
o Manage relationships with external pallet storage providers, ensuring efficient use of offsite capacity.
o Oversee stock movements to and from external storage, maintaining accuracy and cost visibility.
o Customs & Documentation
o Act as the main operational contact for the company's customs clearance agent, ensuring timely submission of import/export documentation.
o Support customs compliance related to international fruit shipments (e.g. border checks, health certs, CHIEF/CDS system).
Qualifications & Experience (Essential)
* Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) - Road Haulage.
* Demonstrable experience managing a transport operation, ideally in FMCG, food distribution, or fresh produce.
* Strong working knowledge of UK road transport legislation, DVSA regulations, and Operator's Licence requirements.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic projects.
* Strong IT skills (transport management systems, Excel, reporting tools).
Desirable
* HGV Category C+E licence - hands-on driving experience is advantageous.
* Experience of working with customs clearance agents and knowledge of CDS/CHIEF systems.
* Understanding of cold-chain distribution and perishable goods handling.
Personal Attributes
* Proactive, hands-on manager who leads by example.
* Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost control and service quality.
* Strong communication and leadership skills to work across teams and manage third-party providers.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with seasonal demand peak
(INDPERM)