Nights Transport Manager

Job Title: Nights Transport Manager Salary: £55,000 per annum Hours: 9:30 pm – 6:00 am Shift Pattern: Any 5 days out of 7 (Internal flexibility required to support 24/7 weekend operations)

About the Business We are one of the UK’s leading ambient grocery distribution and logistics specialists. Operating from major purpose-built sites and state-of-the-art hubs across Cheshire, we manage up to 8,000 daily pallet movements for major UK retailers. Our fleet covers over 10 million miles annually using the latest Euro 6 trucks, extensive backhaul networks, and specialized longer semi-trailers (LSTs). We take pride in being a Customer First business, putting safety, compliance, and team development at the heart of our 24/7 operation.

Role Purpose As the Nights Transport Manager, you will take total operational accountability for our busy night-shift transport function. You will lead, motivate, and manage a dedicated team of Night Transport Controllers, Clerks, and a large contingent of HGV Drivers. Your primary focus will be ensuring the safe, compliant, and cost-effective execution of the outbound delivery schedule, managing vehicle tracking, trunking, and port collections while strictly maintaining our high retail service levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Manage the end-to-end night transport operation, ensuring successful execution of the dispatch plan and a seamless shift handover to the morning management team.

• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and debrief drivers and office staff. Manage performance, attendance, and conduct, championing a culture of safety, engagement, and accountability.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure absolute adherence to EU Driver Hours, Working Time Directive (WTD), and tachograph regulations. Oversee vehicle roadworthiness, defect reporting, and liaise directly with our on-site Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) to ensure the fleet remains compliant.

• Real-Time Problem Solving: Monitor the outbound delivery schedule via tracking and fleet management systems, taking dynamic corrective actions to mitigate delays, vehicle breakdowns, or driver resource constraints.

• Efficiency & KPI Management: Drive night-shift KPIs including fuel efficiency, on-time delivery (OTIF), turnaround times, and backhaul utilization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Warehouse Management, Co-Pack, and Planning teams to align trailer loading with immediate dispatch schedules.

What We Are Looking For (Person Specification):

• Experience: Proven track record as a Transport Manager or a Senior Shift Manager within a fast-paced, high-volume ambient grocery, FMCG, or 3PL transport environment.

• Qualifications: A valid Transport Management CPC (National/International) is highly desirable.

• Systems Literacy: High proficiency in transport and fleet systems—experience with enterprise ERP software, telematics tracking systems, and Tachograph Analysis software is highly advantageous.

• Geographical & Port Knowledge: Strong understanding of UK geography and major logistics networks, specifically North West corridors, UK major ports, and central retailer DC networks.

• Leadership Style: A proactive, resilient night-owl leader who can work independently without micro-management, possessing excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.