Transport Manager

Transport Manager

(Temp to Perm)

Location: Bedford
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Pay Rate: £17.30 per hour (Temporary) 

About the Company

Our client is a leading national drinks distribution business, supplying a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks to hospitality venues, retailers, and commercial customers across the UK. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining high operational standards, and ensuring compliance across all areas of their transport operation.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Transport Manager to join their busy depot in Bedford.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and experienced Transport Manager to oversee the day-to-day transport operation, ensuring legal compliance, operational efficiency, and excellent service delivery.

The successful candidate will be confident managing drivers, handling employee relations matters, and maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily transport operation, ensuring vehicles and drivers are operating safely and efficiently.
• Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, Driver Hours Regulations, and the Working Time Directive.
• Conduct return-to-work interviews following sickness absence.
• Carry out investigations into accidents, incidents, disciplinary matters, and performance concerns.
• Lead challenging conversations with employees in a professional, fair, and constructive manner.
• Support disciplinary and grievance procedures in line with company policies.
• Monitor driver performance, attendance, compliance, and conduct.
• Coach and develop drivers to improve performance and maintain high standards.
• Work closely with warehouse and planning teams to ensure efficient route planning and service delivery.
• Maintain transport records, compliance documentation, and KPI reporting.
• Oversee fleet utilisation and support vehicle maintenance scheduling.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the transport operation.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

About You

• Previous experience as a Transport Manager within a fast-paced logistics or distribution environment.
• CPC National Transport Manager qualification is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, tachograph regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience conducting investigations, return-to-work meetings, disciplinary hearings, and difficult conversations.
• Confident leader with excellent communication and people management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and transport management systems.
• A proactive, professional, and solutions-focused approach.

What's on Offer

• £17.30 per hour during the temporary period.
• £36,000 when permenant 
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position following a successful temporary assignment.
• Monday to Friday working hours (9:00am – 5:00pm).
• Stable, supportive working environment.
• Join a well-established leader within the UK drinks distribution industry.
• Immediate start available for the right candidate.

If you're an experienced Transport Manager looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.