Transport Operations Manager
Stafford Fulfilment Centre
Hours: 39 hours per week
Salary: £62,225.00
Shifts: Mon - Fri
About Pets at Home
At Pets, our aim is to give the nation's pets what they need to be at their ball-chasing, tail-wagging best. Because we will not rest until every spaniel has a squeezy toy, every calico has a cat tree, and every rabbit has a run.
We are passionate about finding the best talent within the Logistics & Distribution industry, and we are now looking for a Transport Operations Manager to join our Transport team at our Stafford Fulfilment Centre.
The Role
As the Transport Operations Manager, you will play a key leadership role in the day-to-day running of the LGV Transport operation at Stafford FC, operating within a fast-paced, 24-hour environment.
You will support the delivery of on-time, in-full (OTIF) store deliveries within a 30-minute delivery window, helping to maximise store sales floor space and maintain excellent service levels.
Working closely with the Transport General Manager and wider operational teams, you will ensure transport schedules are delivered efficiently, Backhaul collections are achieved, and third-party hauliers perform to agreed standards.
You will be responsible for ensuring full legal compliance across the operation, including Health & Safety, Operator Licence undertakings, driver hours, defect reporting and fleet servicing requirements. You will also support the Backhaul management strategy to deliver agreed revenue targets in a safe, efficient and legally compliant way.
Colleague engagement sits at the heart of everything we do at Pets at Home. You will lead, coach and develop your team, creating an inclusive, engaging and high-performing culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and motivated.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all operational and site aspects of Transport Distribution, reporting to the Transport General Manager
* Manage and monitor the performance of key third-party haulier partners, ensuring service, cost and compliance standards are met
* Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, earned recognition standards and all transport legal requirements
* Deliver OTIF performance through effective KPI management, operational control and performance reporting
* Build strong, positive working relationships across Transport, creating a motivated, engaged and high-performing team culture
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives that add value while maintaining agreed service levels
* Ensure full compliance across fleet management, including vehicle servicing, defect reporting, driver behaviour and drivers' hours regulations
* Develop, coach and inspire colleagues, supporting both individual and collective development
* Deliver colleague engagement initiatives in partnership with L&D, Talent and People teams, acting on engagement survey feedback
* Ensure third-party logistics providers operate in a safe, legal and compliant manner
* Control transport costs within agreed budget levels and support the delivery of agreed backhaul revenue targets
What You Will Bring
* Strong people management, leadership and coaching capability, with experience leading operational transport teams
* Ability to build, motivate and engage teams using emotional intelligence and a values-led leadership approach
* A customer-focused mindset, ensuring service levels are delivered without compromising safety or compliance
* Energy, resilience and tenacity to succeed in a demanding, fast-paced environment
* Proven ability to drive continuous improvement while maintaining operational performance
* Confident decision-making and problem-solving skills in a pressured operational setting
* Commitment to colleague development, engagement and talent progression
* Integrity-led leadership style, taking accountability and earning trust across the operation
* Ability to challenge constructively, listen to feedback and collaborate across teams
* Knowledge of UK Transport operations, legislation and Health & Safety requirements
* Experience using Transport management systems such as FTA Vision, RTC, Paragon or similar
* Understanding of scheduling, route planning, KPI management, SLA delivery and budget control
* Awareness of vehicle technologies, fleet management and transport industry best practice
What You Will Get in Return
* Competitive rates of pay
* Annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing after 2 years' continuous service
* An extra day's holiday for your birthday
* Stakeholder pension plan
* Personal Health Insurance scheme (if enrolled in the pension scheme)
* Life assurance
* 20% Pets at Home discount after 12 weeks' service
* Pets at Home "Treats" voluntary benefits package
Click here to read our Values & Behaviours
Click here for full details of our benefits
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should suitable candidates be identified. We encourage interested colleagues to apply promptly.
"Pets just see people. They are not biased, and they do not discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets and value difference in all its forms. Even if your skills and experience don't perfectly align, if you feel you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we'd love to hear from you."