Who are we?
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner‑operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South‑West of England. We specialise in construction, waste management, plant hire, demolition and transport operations.
What we're looking for?
A Transport Director that provides strategic, operational and compliance leadership across the Group’s transport activities. Responsible for the safe, efficient and cost‑effective operation of a complex 150‑vehicle fleet, the role ensures excellence in compliance (O‑Licence, DVSA, HSE/WISH), high operational performance and strong financial stewardship.
Responsibilities for the job role include:
Overseeing multiple transport departments including 8‑Wheel Tippers, Waste Artics, Commercial Waste Operations, Skip and Hook Vehicles, Heavy Haulage Low Loaders, and a fully functioning HGV Workshop inclusive of an active DVSA approved MOT facility.
Strategic Leadership
* Develop and deliver a Group Transport Strategy aligned to business growth, customer expectations and cost optimisation.
* Lead fleet modernisation, replacement cycles, alternative fuel strategy and long‑term asset planning.
* Standardise transport processes, KPIs, performance frameworks and reporting across all divisions.
* Provide senior leadership input to tenders, pricing models and customer contracts.
Compliance, Safety & Risk
* Hold senior accountability for all O‑Licence undertakings across multiple operating centres.
* Ensure absolute compliance with:
o DVSA requirements
o WTD/Tachograph Regulations
o HSE/WISH waste industry guidance
o Environmental permitting and waste transfer regulations
* Lead accident reduction strategy, claims prevention and driver performance improvement.
Operational Excellence
* Oversee transport departments, ensuring consistent performance, service delivery and cost control.
* Drive operational efficiencies using telematics, route optimisation, driver behaviour and load utilisation improvements.
* Ensure robust daily defect, workshop coordination and vehicle availability processes.
* Improve fuel performance (MPG, idling, route planning).
People Leadership
* Lead, coach and develop departmental managers, planners and workshop leadership teams.
* Build succession pathways and training plans (including Driver CPC alignment).
* Embed a high‑performance culture with clear KPIs and accountability.
Financial & Commercial Management
* Own the annual transport budget including fuel, tyres, maintenance, compliance and fleet investment.
* Deliver year‑on‑year cost savings without compromising safety or service.
* Improve margin performance on transport‑intensive contracts.
* Work with Finance to increase fleet costing accuracy and profitability visibility.
* Deliver monthly presentations to the Board of Directors.
What can we offer you?
* Life Assurance Scheme
* Corporate gym membership discount
* Annual Salary Review
* Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
* Progression opportunities
* 24‑hour unlimited access to mental health support
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