VANRATH are delighted to be assisting a major client with the Recruitment of an Experienced Senior Transport Planning Manager to join an experienced and dynamic team based in Antrim. Head of Transport & Despatch Location: UK & ROI | Level: Senior Leadership £60-70k DOE / 37.5 hours (8-5 M-T, 8-1:30 Fridays) flexibility given on start/finish times. The Role We're seeking a strategic and hands-on leader to head our Transport and Despatch operations across the UK and Ireland. This role is critical in ensuring legal compliance, operational excellence, and on-time delivery, while shaping the future of our logistics strategy. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy Lead and develop Transport & Despatch teams across sites. Define and execute departmental strategy aligned with business goals. Drive KPIs (OTIF, cost, compliance, safety) and a culture of performance and continuous improvement. Transport Operations Ensure legal, compliant, and efficient transport operations across UK & ROI. Act as named CPC holder ; oversee operator licence compliance (NI & UK). Manage full vehicle lifecycle: procurement, utilisation, maintenance, disposal. Oversee driver compliance (CPC, licence checks, tachographs, WTD). Control transport budgets and drive cost efficiencies. Manage subcontractor performance and cross-channel shipping operations (NI-GB). Despatch Operations Ensure accurate, on-time despatch of finished goods to customers, sites, and branches. Align despatch with production and planning for optimal flow. Oversee task allocation, training, and performance of operatives, loaders, and forklift drivers. Maintain rigorous quality standards, despatch records, and ERP/MRP data accuracy. Ensure safe handling and loading of fragile items (glass, frames). Lead support sub-functions: glazing, frame prep, glass protection. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Production, QC, Customer Services, Credit Control, HR, and H&S for seamless operations. Coordinate with transport planners to optimise routing and delivery. Bridge communication between Antrim and Lancaster operations. About You Proven senior-level experience in transport/logistics & despatch leadership. Strong working knowledge of UK/ROI transport law - CPC qualified. Skilled in multi-site operations, budget management, and cost control. Track record of building high-performing teams and driving operational excellence. ERP/MRP proficient with data-driven decision making. Excellent stakeholder, planning, and communication skills. What We Offer Competitive salary benefits. A key leadership role with national impact. Opportunity to shape logistics strategy across UK & Ireland. Supportive, collaborative team environment. For more information on this role please contact Phil Doherty @ VANRATH ''5*'s for Vanrath. They found me a suitable agency post right away, it was a great fit, now I have got the job permanently! Very personable and knowledgeable to deal with and always took the time to understand and help out. Extremely professional service all round.'' ''I contacted Vanrath after being laid off by my previous employer. They were fantastic to deal with and found me the perfect role that matched my skill set and experience and within a day or two had an interview lined up. Within the same week I was made a job offer which I happily accepted. So thankful that I contacted Vanrath. Couldn't have asked for a quicker and more professional service.'' ''My experience with Vanrath has been so positive. They were very professional but friendly at the same time. The whole process has been excellent and I've secured a job that I really wanted. I wouldn't hesitate to go through Vanrath again in future as there was no waiting about and they continually kept me updated throughout. Thanks so much again.'' ocess and has continued to touch base after I have started my new role. Couldn't recommend enough.'' Benefits: Additional Benefits