General Manager
Folkestone
£65,000 – £80,000
We are supporting a well-established road freight organisation in the appointment of an experienced General Manager to lead its UK and European transport operations. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with strong operational expertise and commercial awareness who can take ownership of performance across the business.
The Role
The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing the overall performance of the transport operation, ensuring efficiency, compliance, profitability, and service excellence. You will lead operational teams, manage key customer relationships, and drive strategic improvements across fleet performance and resource management.
This position requires a proactive leader who can balance day-to-day operational control with long-term business development and growth planning.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Oversight
Direct and manage daily transport operations across domestic and European routes
Improve fleet deployment, driver management, scheduling, and load optimisation
Ensure operational processes deliver reliability and high service standards
Oversee subcontractor performance and third-party service providers
Identify opportunities to streamline operations and improve efficiency
Compliance and Safety
Maintain full compliance with UK Operator Licence obligations and transport legislation
Ensure adherence to DVSA requirements, tachograph regulations, and working time legislation
Manage compliance with European transport regulations for cross-border movements
Support audit processes and maintain strong health and safety standards
Promote a culture focused on risk management and safe working practices
Financial Responsibility
Take accountability for operational financial performance and overall profitability
Manage budgeting, forecasting, cost monitoring, and performance reporting
Track key operational metrics including margins, fuel consumption, utilisation, and cost control
Support pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and commercial review processes
Drive initiatives that improve efficiency and protect profitability
Customer and Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic customers
Respond effectively to service issues and escalations
Support new business development and contract retention efforts
Represent the business professionally in client and supplier engagements
Strategic Contribution
Contribute to the long-term growth and development of the transport division
Identify opportunities for operational modernisation and technology improvement
Support expansion initiatives and potential growth into new markets or service areas
Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments to ensure business readiness
Essential Experience
Proven leadership experience within haulage, transport, or logistics operations
Strong knowledge of Operator Licence requirements and transport compliance
Experience managing operational teams and multi-functional staff
Demonstrable P&L responsibility and commercial decision-making experience
Familiarity with transport management systems and fleet performance tools
International CPC qualification
Desirable Experience
Exposure to cross-border freight and European transport operations
Understanding of customs processes and international trade requirements
Experience leading change initiatives or operational improvement projects
Personal Attributes
Strong commercial mindset with operational discipline
Confident decision-maker with excellent leadership capability
Ability to engage effectively with customers, drivers, and senior stakeholders
Adaptable and resilient in a fast-moving environment
This is a key leadership role for a professional who is ready to take ownership of a significant transport operation and contribute directly to its performance and growth. Applications are welcomed from individuals who meet the experience criteria and are seeking a senior management opportunity within road freight.
This role is being handled by Sam Hasler, Transport, Logistics & Distribution Specialist at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
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