Transport Manager

Job description:

Thrive Personnel are currently recruiting a Transport Manager on behalf of our clients a leading manufacturer of high-quality kitchens and bedrooms, supported by a dedicated transport fleet and logistics function that ensures the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of products while maintaining high standards of customer service, compliance, and operational excellence.

Due to continued growth and a commitment to operational excellence, we are seeking an experienced Transport & Planning Manager to lead transport operations, route planning activities, and fleet compliance programmes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of transport operations, ensuring legal compliance, cost efficiency, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across all transport activities. This role will also serve as the organisation's transport compliance lead, maintaining industry accreditations, including FORS, and ensuring adherence to all relevant transport legislation and best-practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations

Manage the daily transport operation, ensuring all deliveries are completed safely, efficiently, and on time.

Develop and optimise delivery routes to maximise vehicle utilisation and minimise transport costs.

Monitor fleet performance, fuel usage, and transport KPIs.

Ensure transport resources align with manufacturing output and customer demand.

Lead transport planning meetings and coordinate closely with Production, Customer Services, and Installation teams.

Manage transport scheduling software and routing systems.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the transport function.

Compliance & Legal Responsibilities

Act as the organisation's transport compliance lead and ensure adherence to:

Operator Licence (O-Licence) requirements.

Driver Hours Regulations.

Working Time Directive.

Road Transport Working Time Regulations.

Tachograph Regulations.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Standards.

Health & Safety legislation.

Road Traffic legislation.

Load security regulations.

DVSA requirements and best practice.

Driver CPC requirements.

Fleet insurance obligations.

Environmental and emissions compliance.

FORS Management

Lead and maintain compliance with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS):

Maintain FORS Silver accreditation as a minimum standard.

Develop plans to achieve and maintain FORS Gold accreditation where appropriate.

Conduct internal compliance audits.

Maintain all required evidence and records.

Monitor performance against FORS operational requirements.

Deliver driver training programmes required under FORS.

Ensure compliance with vulnerable road user requirements.

Lead annual FORS audits and implement corrective action plans.

Fleet Management

Manage vehicle maintenance programmes.

Ensure effective defect reporting processes are in place.

Monitor MOT compliance.

Manage service schedules and vehicle inspections.

Oversee fleet replacement planning.

Manage external transport suppliers and maintenance providers.

Support sustainability initiatives, including fleet efficiency and emissions reduction.

Team Leadership

Lead, coach, and develop the transport team.

Conduct performance reviews and training needs analyses.

Promote a positive safety culture.

Support employee engagement and development.

Ensure effective communication across departments.

Customer Service & Delivery Performance

Deliver excellent OTIF (On Time In Full) performance.

Investigate delivery failures and implement corrective actions.

Support customer escalation management.

Drive continuous improvements in the customer delivery experience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

OTIF Delivery Performance

Transport Cost per Delivery

Vehicle Utilisation

Fleet Compliance Score

Driver Compliance Score

FORS Audit Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Accident Frequency Rate

Driver Hours Compliance

Customer Delivery Satisfaction

Fleet Downtime

Transport Budget Performance

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Essential

National CPC in Road Haulage Operations (Transport Manager CPC).

Full UK Driving Licence.

Strong knowledge of Operator Licence compliance.

Extensive transport planning experience.

Proven experience managing transport operations and fleets.

Strong understanding of DVSA requirements.

Experience leading transport compliance audits.

Desirable

FORS Practitioner Qualification.

FORS Professional Membership.

IOSH Managing Safely.

NEBOSH General Certificate.

Certificate in Transport Management.

Logistics UK professional development qualifications.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and people management skills.

Excellent transport planning and organisational abilities.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance.

Commercial awareness and budget management capability.

Benefits:

Company pension

Free parking

On-site parking