Role summary
The Head of Third‑Party Courier Management is responsible for defining and embedding the DX driver contracting policy and framework, ensuring compliance with all legal, commercial, and operational requirements. This role oversees contractor engagement, performance, compliance, and drives best practice across the DX network.
Key responsibilities
Contractor Strategy & Governance
1. Define, review, and own the contractor onboarding process.
2. Manage the contractor pipeline to ensure availability aligned with network requirements.
3. Collaborate with Legal and Procurement on contract terms, KPIs, penalties, and incentive structures.
4. Develop contractor engagement initiatives including OD / MSC / Franchise models.
5. Align all contracting processes with the business sustainability strategy.
Performance Management & Reporting
6. Develop a standardised contractor performance review schedule, policies, and documentation.
7. Centrally own reporting outputs and action planning.
8. Use data to analyse supplier performance, highlight best practice, and identify improvement opportunities.
Vetting, Compliance & Induction
9. Review, improve, and standardise driver vetting processes with HR.
10. Explore outsourced solutions where appropriate to simplify onboarding.
11. Develop training and induction programmes ensuring supplier understanding of DX policies.
Operational & Financial Controls
12. Review and centralise payment processes, removing localised depot payment ownership.
13. Manage strategic relationships with major subcontractors across divisions and depots.
14. Lead regular performance reviews ensuring service consistency across operations.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
15. Excellent written and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge constructively.
16. Strong team‑working and independent working capability.
17. Strong planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
18. Extensive knowledge of effective health and safety management.
19. Leadership, change management, and continuous improvement experience.
Person Specification
20. Background in multi‑drop delivery and collections (ideal).
21. Experience working with self‑employed supplier bases.
22. Working knowledge of route planning and routing software.
23. Minimum of 2 years management experience.
24. Ability to motivate, manage, and develop teams in fast‑paced environments.
25. Clear communicator with colleagues and suppliers.
26. Experience managing budgets and cost controls.
27. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
28. Good understanding of basic business finance.
29. Transparent, supportive management style.
30. Strong relationship‑building and communication skills.
31. Customer‑focused with passion for great service.
32. Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
33. Team‑oriented with understanding of wider business needs.
34. Confident communicating with all levels of management.
Benefits:
35. Competitive Rates of Pay
36. Company Funded Health Cash Plan
37. Holidays: 25 days increasing with length of service + bank holidays
38. Long Service Recognition scheme
39. Enhanced Maternity & Paternity
40. Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
41. Life Assurance
42. Private Medical Cover
43. Company Car/Car Allowance
44. Employee Assistance programme including 24/7 Virtual GP
45. DX Discounts Portal
46. Excellent opportunities for career progression and more!!
We look forward to hearing from you!