Job Description
Who are MJ Church
MJ Church is a leading Civil Engineering and Earthworks contractor operating across England. We deliver projects valued between £100,000 and £80 million for public and private sector clients across diverse industries. Alongside our core construction services, we have a growing waste management business expanding across the Southwest and Wales.
Joining MJ Church offers an exciting and challenging opportunity for driven individuals seeking professional and personal growth in a dynamic, results-focused environment.
Why MJ Church?
At MJ Church, we’re proud to run one of the best-maintained fleets in the region. You’ll be working with modern equipment, supported by a dedicated team, and part of a business that values hard work, skill, and a job well done.
Job Role:
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with full operational and commercial responsibility for a busy transport function. As Transport Operational and Commercial Manager, you will take overall responsibility for ensuring the operation performs safely, efficiently, and commercially, delivering value, margin, and service in line with the wider goals of the business.
You will provide strong, visible leadership, setting clear direction and standards across the transport function and create a culture of ownership, accountability, and pride in performance, engagement, and accountability. With a strong focus on performance and continuous improvement, you will balance day-to-day operational demands with longer-term planning, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and enhance service delivery.
Working closely with customers, sites, and internal teams, you will play a key role in building and maintaining trusted relationships while ensuring transport operations support operational delivery and commercial outcomes. This role will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, takes pride in a well-run operation, and is motivated by leading people, solving problems, and making a measurable commercial and operational difference. We offer a competitive salary plus a car allowance with this role.
Key Responsibilities:
* Full operational and commercial ownership of the Transport Department
* Lead and manage a fleet of 30 owned tippers and drivers
* Provide clear leadership, direction, and accountability across the transport function
* Drive employee engagement, performance, and retention
* Manage and optimise relationships with third-party hauliers
* Maximise daily operational efficiency while maintaining service levels
* Set and deliver operational objectives aligned to the business plan and targets
* Reduce unladen mileage through effective planning and routing oversight
* Oversee transport planning, routing, and daily, weekly, and monthly forward scheduling
* Act as key liaison with customers, sites, stakeholders, drivers, and internal departments
* Manage transport budgets, cost control, and operational KPIs
* Produce and review weekly P&L reports
* Develop succession plans and support ongoing team development
* Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and transport legislation
* Lead all people management activities including recruitment, retention, and disciplinary processes with assistance from HR.
Person Specification
* CPC in Road Haulage is essential
* Relevant transport, logistics, or management qualification or equivalent operational experience
Experience
* Proven experience managing a transport operation in a commercial environment
* Experience leading drivers and transport teams in a fast-paced, operational setting
* Demonstrable experience managing budgets, costs, and operational performance
* Experience working with third-party hauliers or subcontractors
Skills
* Strong leadership and people management skills
* Ability to plan, prioritise, and make effective operational decisions
* Confident communicator able to engage with drivers, customers, and stakeholders
* Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, practical approach
Knowledge
* Sound knowledge of transport legislation and compliance requirements
* Good understanding of cost control, margins, and operational KPIs
* Working knowledge of transport planning, routing, and scheduling
Renumeration Package
* Salary - £50,000-£60,000
* Company vehicle
* 24 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
* Company pension
* Life Insurance
* Cycle to work scheme