We are looking for a Transport Manager to take full operational responsibility for the safe, compliant, and cost-effective management of the company’s fleet and drivers. The Transport Manager will oversee all aspects of fleet operations including delivery planning, driver management, regulatory compliance, fuel efficiency, and ADR dangerous goods compliance — ensuring the business runs a professional, efficient, and legally compliant transport operation at all times.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Fleet Efficiency & Delivery Planning
• Plan and schedule all daily deliveries and collections to maximise vehicle utilisation and minimise empty running
• Optimise routes to reduce mileage, fuel consumption, and delivery times
• Monitor fleet performance and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency
• Manage vehicle availability, ensuring maintenance schedules do not disrupt delivery commitments
• Coordinate with customers and internal teams to manage delivery windows and service expectations
2. Driver Management
• Directly manage and supervise all HGV and industrial gas vehicle drivers
• Conduct regular driver performance reviews, addressing any issues promptly
• Ensure all drivers are properly licensed, trained, and competent for the vehicles they operate
• Manage driver rotas, working time, and holiday scheduling to maintain adequate cover
• Address disciplinary matters, absence management, and driver welfare
• Foster a professional, safety-first culture across the driving team
3. Compliance & Safety
• Ensure full compliance with all operator’s licence obligations and undertakings
• Maintain and monitor driver tachograph records using TruTac, ensuring drivers’ hours regulations are fully adhered to
• Analyse TruTac data to identify infringements, trends, and areas for improvement
• Manage all vehicle MOTs, inspections, and preventive maintenance schedules
• Ensure vehicles meet DVSA roadworthiness standards at all times
• Conduct and document regular walk-round checks and defect reporting procedures
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records and documentation
• Prepare for and manage DVSA audits and inspections
• Stay current with changes to transport legislation and ensure the business remains compliant
4. Fuel & Cost Management
• Take full responsibility for monitoring and managing fuel and AdBlue usage across the entire fleet
• Track fuel consumption per vehicle and per driver, identifying inefficiencies and taking corrective action
• Negotiate and manage fuel supplier relationships to achieve the best rates
• Report on fuel costs monthly with clear analysis of trends and variances
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across all fleet operations
• Manage fleet-related budgets and provide regular cost reports to the Head of dOperations
5. ADR & Dangerous Goods Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulations across all relevant vehicles and operations
• Maintain up-to-date ADR documentation including vehicle certification, Tremcards, and transport documentation for all dangerous goods movements
• Ensure all drivers carrying dangerous goods hold valid ADR driver training certificates and that refresher training is completed before expiry
• Oversee the correct labelling, placarding, and loading of industrial gas vehicles in accordance with ADR requirements
• Conduct regular checks that all ADR safety equipment is present, in date, and in working order on applicable vehicles
• Act as the primary point of contact for any dangerous goods incidents, spills, or near-misses, ensuring they are reported, documented, and investigated
• Liaise with the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) as required and implement any recommendations
• Ensure all dangerous goods training records are maintained and available for inspection
• Stay current with any changes to ADR regulations and implement updates to procedures accordingly
6. Reporting & Administration
• Produce weekly and monthly reports on fleet performance, compliance, fuel usage, and driver KPIs
• Maintain accurate records of all fleet-related activities, incidents, and expenditure
• Use fleet management software and TruTac efficiently to minimise manual administration
• Escalate any significant issues, risks, or non-compliance to the Head of Operations promptly
Person Specification
Essential:
• Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)
• Proven experience managing a mixed commercial fleet of a similar size
• Strong working knowledge of operator’s licence requirements and DVSA compliance
• Hands-on experience with tachograph analysis software, ideally TruTac
• Demonstrable experience in delivery planning and route optimisation
• Track record of managing fuel costs and identifying savings
• Experience directly managing and developing drivers
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• IT literate with experience using fleet management systems
• ADR awareness certificate or qualification (or willingness to obtain promptly)
• Working knowledge of dangerous goods transport regulations and documentation requirements
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Desirable:
• Experience within the industrial gas or hazardous goods sector
• Full ADR vocational training certificate
• Experience with fleet telematics systems
• Knowledge of vehicle specification and procurement
We want someone who takes genuine ownership of fleet operations — not just managing day-to-day tasks, but actively looking for ways to run things better, safer, and more cost-effectively. You should be comfortable being accountable for results, confident in managing a team of drivers, and thorough when it comes to compliance. This is a hands-on role where attention to detail and a proactive mindset are essential.