Transport Manager in Leeds, West Yorkshire

Elevation recruitment Procurement & Supply Chain are delighted to be partnered with a growing 3rd party distribution organisation, with the search & selection of a new Transport Manager for their South Leeds operation.

Transport Manager
Location: Leeds
Reporting to: Operations Director

Take the lead in transport excellence 

Our client are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Qualified Transport Manager to lead our Leeds transport operation. This is a key leadership role for a transport professional who combines exceptional compliance knowledge with strong operational management, people leadership and commercial awareness.

You will take responsibility for a substantial fleet of 85 HGV tractor units and 160 refrigerated articulated trailers, ensuring the safe, efficient and legally compliant delivery of our transport operation.

As the nominated Transport Manager and CPC holder, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of Operator Licence compliance, fleet performance, driver management and customer service, while driving continuous improvement across the operation.

If you have a proven track record managing a large HGV fleet and the confidence to lead a busy transport operation, we would like to hear from you.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will take ownership of the day-to-day compliance and performance of the Leeds transport operation, ensuring all activities meet the requirements of the DVSA, Traffic Commissioner, relevant legislation and company standards.

You will balance operational demands with safety, compliance and financial performance, ensuring the fleet remains roadworthy, drivers operate within legal requirements and customer expectations are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities:

Transport Compliance & Operator Licensing

• Maintain full compliance with all Operator Licence undertakings and applicable transport legislation.
• Act as the nominated CPC holder, demonstrating effective and continuous management of the transport operation.
• Oversee vehicle maintenance systems, preventative maintenance inspections, MOTs, defect reporting and maintenance records.
• Ensure compliance with drivers’ hours, tachograph legislation and Working Time Directive requirements.
• Lead preparations for DVSA audits, OCRS reviews, compliance assessments and Traffic Commissioner investigations.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive and audit-ready compliance documentation.

Fleet & Asset Management

• Oversee the performance and availability of 85 HGV tractor units and 160 refrigerated articulated trailers.
• Maximise fleet utilisation, minimise vehicle downtime and monitor workshop performance.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers meet legal, safety and manufacturer maintenance standards.
• Monitor tyre management, fuel efficiency, maintenance expenditure and refrigerated trailer compliance.
• Drive improvements in fleet availability, reliability and operational efficiency.

Driver Management & Safety

• Ensure all drivers hold valid licences, Driver Qualification Cards and relevant certifications.
• Oversee licence checks, tachograph analysis, CPC monitoring, driver inductions and assessments.
• Manage driver performance, conduct and disciplinary matters where necessary.
• Promote a positive safety culture, professional driving standards and continuous driver development.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes and implement corrective actions to reduce accidents and claims.

Health, Safety & Operational Performance

• Ensure compliance with relevant road traffic, health and safety legislation, including applicable LOLER and PUWER requirements.
• Support relevant fleet safety standards and accreditation schemes, including FORS and DVSA Earned Recognition where applicable.
• Work closely with planning, warehouse and other operational teams to deliver excellent customer service.
• Monitor operational KPIs, identify performance issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain high standards of service, safety and operational discipline across the transport function.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage transport budgets and maintain effective cost-control processes.
• Monitor fuel expenditure, agency driver costs, vehicle maintenance, tyres and external contractor spend.
• Identify and deliver cost savings without compromising safety, legal compliance or customer service.
• Use operational data and performance reporting to support informed commercial decisions.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build effective working relationships with the DVSA, Traffic Commissioner representatives, maintenance providers, customers and internal departments.
• Provide regular fleet, compliance and performance reports to senior management.
• Lead by example, influencing colleagues and operational teams to maintain consistently high standards.
• Develop a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and compliance excellence.

What We’re Looking For

You will be an established transport professional with the experience, knowledge and leadership skills to manage a large, complex fleet operation effectively.

Essential qualifications and experience

• National or International Transport Manager CPC.
• Full UK driving licence.
• At least five years’ experience managing a large HGV fleet.
• Proven experience operating under a Standard National and/or International Operator Licence.
• Strong working knowledge of DVSA requirements, Traffic Commissioner expectations, drivers’ hours regulations, tachograph legislation and fleet maintenance systems.
• Experience managing refrigerated transport operations.
• A demonstrable track record of successful compliance management within a multi-vehicle operation.

Desirable qualifications

• IOSH Managing Safely.
• Internal Auditor qualification.

In this role, you will be responsible for driving measurable improvements across the operation, including:

• Maintaining 100% Operator Licence compliance.
• Achieving zero prohibitions attributable to poor maintenance management.
• Reducing drivers’ hours infringements and transport-related incidents.
• Maintaining fleet availability above 95%.
• Achieving an MOT first-time pass rate above 95%.
• Improving fuel efficiency year on year.
• Successfully completing internal and external compliance audits.
• Delivering sustainable cost efficiencies while maintaining excellent customer service.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a qualified Transport Manager with the experience and ambition to lead a large refrigerated transport fleet, we would welcome your application.

Apply now to take the next step in your transport management career.