Head of Transport & Despatch
Location: UK & ROI | Level: Senior Leadership | Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 DOE | Hours: 37.5 per week (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:30pm)
Flexible start/finish times available
Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader to oversee our Transport and Despatch operations across the UK and Ireland. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on business performance—ensuring full legal compliance, operational efficiency, and high levels of customer service. You will help shape and implement the long-term logistics strategy for the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, manage, and develop high-performing Transport & Despatch teams across multiple sites.
* Define and execute department strategy aligned with overall business goals.
* Champion a culture of safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and customer service.
* Monitor and drive key KPIs (e.g., OTIF, cost efficiency, safety, lead times).
* Oversee compliant and efficient transport operations across the UK and ROI.
* Act as the named CPC holder and ensure operator licence compliance (NI & UK).
* Manage the full vehicle lifecycle: procurement, utilisation, maintenance, and disposal.
* Ensure full driver compliance (licensing, CPC, tachograph, WTD).
* Own and manage the transport budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
* Lead relationships with subcontractors and manage cross-channel logistics (NI-GB).
* Ensure accurate and on-time despatch of goods to customers, sites, and branches.
* Work with production and planning teams to align schedules and optimise flow.
* Manage despatch operations, including staff allocation, performance, and training.
* Maintain high standards of quality control and ensure accurate ERP/MRP record-keeping.
* Oversee safe handling and loading, particularly of fragile items such as glass.
* Lead associated areas such as glazing, frame preparation, and glass protection.
* Build strong relationships with internal teams including Production, Quality Control, Customer Service, Credit Control, HR, and Health & Safety.
* Collaborate with transport planners to improve route efficiency and delivery performance.
* Ensure effective coordination and communication between Antrim and Lancaster sites.
About You
* Proven senior-level experience in transport, logistics, or despatch leadership.
* In-depth knowledge of UK & ROI transport legislation; CPC qualification essential.
* Strong experience managing multi-site operations and complex logistics functions.
* Financially astute with experience managing budgets and delivering efficiencies.
* Skilled in people leadership, team development, and performance management.
* Confident using ERP/MRP systems and leveraging data to inform decisions.
* Excellent communicator with strong planning and stakeholder engagement skills.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* A high-impact leadership role with broad geographic responsibility.
* The opportunity to shape and drive logistics strategy across the UK and Ireland.
* A supportive and collaborative working environment.
Interested? For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Phil Doherty at VANRATH.
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