Job Description
Transport Manager
Kent
Up to £50,000 + Benefits
Are you an experienced Transport Manager looking for a fast-paced, high-responsibility role within a busy operational environment? We are supporting a well-established organisation in Kent that is seeking a strong leader to take ownership of its transport operation, fleet performance, and compliance standards.
The Role
As Transport Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a busy transport department, including:
Operational Leadership
* Managing and supervising all transport staff, including drivers and agency personnel.
* Ensuring all deliveries, trunking routes, and internal material transfers are completed on-time-in-full.
* Overseeing daily departure times, route planning, and operational schedules.
* Monitoring and improving KPI performance across cost, safety, utilisation, and customer service.
Compliance and Safety
* Ensuring full compliance with the Goods Vehicle Operator Licence and all statutory transport legislation.
* Managing tachograph, driver hours, Working Time Directive, licence checks, defect reporting, and DVSA readiness.
* Driving a strong Health and Safety culture, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, near-miss reporting, and incident investigation.
* Maintaining accurate accident, incident, and defect logs.
Fleet and Cost Management
* Overseeing vehicle inspections, repairs, maintenance scheduling, and defect resolution.
* Managing external hauliers, recovery arrangements, and emergency assistance when required.
* Ensuring weighbridge, load security, and material handling procedures are followed precisely.
* Monitoring fuel usage, repair costs, and vehicle utilisation levels.
People Management
* Leading, coaching, and developing a multi-shift driver team.
* Conducting appraisals, disciplinaries, and performance reviews.
* Ensuring effective communication across shifts and delivering toolbox talks.
Continuous Improvement
* Driving LEAN principles, reducing waste, and improving right-first-time delivery performance.
* Using data, KPIs, and discrepancy reports to identify improvement areas.
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience as a Transport Manager within a fast-paced logistics or distribution environment.
* Strong knowledge of transport compliance, legislation, and operator licence responsibilities.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* A proactive manager with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
* Strong understanding of Health and Safety, fleet management, routing, and POD processes.
* CPC qualification (National or International) is essential.
Benefits
* Salary up to £50,000
* Long-term career development within a stable organisation
If you’re a confident, hands-on Transport Manager looking for your next challenge in the Kent area, we’d love to hear from you.
This role is being handled by Sam Hasler, Transport, Logistics & Distribution Specialist at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
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