Transport Operations Manager in Southampton, Hampshire

SRG Recruitment are recruiting for a family-owned logistics, container haulage, and 3PL specialist known for high standards of customer care, 24/7 responsiveness, and absolute reliability. As the company continues to grow, they seek an experienced Head of Transport Operations to ensure their operational performance consistently aligns with their strong commercial reputation.

This role is a hands-on, commercially focused leadership position suited to a seasoned transport professional who can take ownership of daily traffic execution, maximise fleet yield, and foster a proactive, accountable culture across the transport desk.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fleet Utilisation & Revenue Yield: Maximise earnings per vehicle across every 24-hour operational window, with a strong emphasis on backload capture and the optimal mix of port container drayage (Southampton, London Gateway, and Felixstowe) alongside general haulage.
• Operational Accountability: Take ownership of dispatch execution, collaborate closely with the planning team to reduce avoidable errors, missed delivery windows, and costly port or demurrage charges.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and support the existing transport office, cultivating a culture of open communication, fast problem-solving, and shared ownership rather than reactive or defensive behaviours.
• Customer Service: Serve as the operational champion for key accounts, ensuring high-value customers receive exceptional, accurate execution and proactive communication.
• Compliance & Systems: Coordinate effectively across dispatch, workshop/maintenance teams, and external subcontractors, utilising digital planning tools efficiently while maintaining strict compliance with Operator Licence requirements.

About the role:

• Monday to Friday hours
• Based near Southampton

Candidate Requirements:

• Holds a valid International or National Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Road Haulage.
• Extensive hands-on experience with modern Transport Management Systems (TMS), telematics, and digital routing/dispatch software, with the ability to analyse data to improve fleet efficiency and KPI performance.
• Strong experience managing articulated vehicle fleets across container logistics and port-connected movements, as well as general haulage operations.
• Commercially aware with a deep understanding of route profitability, return-load economics, and dynamic 24-hour shift planning.
• Exhibits a collaborative and grounded leadership style appropriate for a family-owned business, leading with respect, clear standards, and practical support rather than heavy-handed bureaucracy.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure, managing live operational issues, customer changes, and port traffic while maintaining flawless execution.
• Established self-employed transport contractor/consultant status with the capability to integrate effectively within regional site operations.

Benefits of Joining:

• Direct access to business owners with streamlined communication.
• A fast-paced, supportive, and commercially focused work environment.
• A genuine opportunity to influence transport performance, fleet utilisation, and team culture.
• A senior operational role within a well-established, family-owned logistics business.

Engagement & Reward:

• Engagement through an Independent Services Contract or Self-Employed Consultancy Agreement.
• Competitive day rate or retainer reflecting senior operational expertise and delivery against agreed key performance indicators.

If an experienced transport leader who combines operational discipline, commercial insight, and a hands-on approach, this opportunity invites them to make a significant impact by joining the team.