Transport Manager

Are you an experienced Transport Manager looking for your next exciting challenge? If you pride yourself on your ability to engage, lead, and motivate your team then please read on...

We are a rapidly expanding successful group that encompasses all aspects of the meat trade, and we are currently recruiting for a Transport Manager to manage the Transport Operation at our Irlam, Manchester Site.

This is a rare and exciting to join a fast paced 24 hour business and make a difference!

Our business which is a catering butcher has over 100 years of experience in the meat and farming industries. All products are prepared in the factory at Manchester daily to each customer's specifications, packaged and labelled to and above legislation, and then delivered direct throughout the UK. 

Primary responsibilities of the Transport Manager are;

To lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the transport department, ensuring the smooth running and safe, legal, efficient and cost-effective delivery of all daily transport activities. The role is responsible for developing the transport team, maintaining high service standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing the upkeep and maintenance of the transport depot and associated facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate, support and develop the Transport Team Management, Supervisors and wider transport team including Despatch.

• Manage recruitment, induction, performance, absence, disciplinary and development processes.

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Transport Operations

• Responsible for the upkeep and management of the Operators Licence

• Responsible for ensuring that the relevant records are maintained in respect of the Tachographs

• Plan and optimise daily delivery routes, ensuring efficient use of vehicles and resources whilst meeting customer service requirements and maximising operational efficiency and minimising costs.

• Monitor operational KPIs, including route performance, delivery schedules and driver productivity and implement improvements to maximise service levels and productivity.

• Respond to operational issues and implement solutions to minimise service disruption.

• Manage transport budgets, labour costs, overtime and agency usage.

• Support operational planning and business continuity during periods of disruption.

• Manage, maintain and improve Third Party supplier relationships

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant transport legislation, Health & Safety requirements and company policies.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure the department remains audit ready.

• Investigate accidents, incidents and customer complaints, implementing corrective actions where necessary.

Fleet Management

• Ensure vehicles are available, roadworthy, maintained, serviced and repaired in accordance with legal and company and operational requirements.

• Monitor vehicle defects, fleet availability, cleanliness and utilisation.

• Liaise with maintenance providers and contractors to minimise vehicle downtime.

Depot Management

• Take responsibility for the safe, secure and efficient management of the transport depot.

Customer & Business Performance

• Build effective relationships with customers, suppliers and internal departments.

• Resolve service issues professionally and identify opportunities to improve customer satisfaction.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Performance and Compliance

• Monitor driver performance using telematics, KPIs and Operational reporting

• Address performance concerns through coaching, file notes and escalation where appropriate

• Investigate vehicle incidents, customer complaints and operational issues, escalating significant matters

The base working hours for the role are Monday to Friday 08.00-17.00, including additional flexibility to meet business requirements including the weekend rota and on call and cover for Transport Management/Supervision.

Working hours are ;

Week 1 - Monday to Friday 09.00-18.00

Week 2 - Tuesday to Friday 09.00-18.00 and Saturday 06.00-22.00

Additionally, flexibility may be required to meet business needs.

We would welcome applications with experience in the following areas: distribution, logistics, route planning, scheduling and as a Transport Manager, Transport Depot Manager, Transport Operations Manager, or Transport Supervisor.

• Discounted staff sales
• 20 days holiday plus some bank holidays
• Service holidays after 5 years of service
• Employee of the Month bonus
• On-site car parking
• Attendance Bonus Holiday
• Christmas Gift

• Staff sales
• 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free car parking
• Birthday voucher

• You will have proven experience in a similar role in transport/logistics in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to lead and motivate your team and build strong relationships across the business.
• Excellent commercial acumen as you will have considerable budget responsibility.
• Excellent working knowledge of driver's hours, transport compliance, WTD, and tachograph legislation.
• Experience in using route planning software.
• Excellent organisation skills.
• Proven experience in working towards KPIs.
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft applications.
• A full UK driving licence.
• FLT counterbalance licence (desirable)