Assistant Transport Manager

Detail 2 Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Detail 2 Limited is seeking an Assistant Transport Manager in Croydon to lead a large driver operation and support daily dispatch for time-critical deliveries. The role requires managing a 55+ driver fleet, coordinating 4:30am start times, and driving KPI performance in a busy fresh produce distribution environment.

The successful candidate will oversee driver development, recruitment, and health and safety compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure service excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a large driver team in a time-critical, multi-drop delivery operation.
• Proven leadership with the ability to drive KPIs and performance.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Transport Manager with day-to-day driver operation.
• Lead 55+ route drivers and 10+ emergency drivers.
• Oversee dispatch between 4:30am and 6:00am, ensuring routes are covered.
• Manage daily dispatch, driver cover and operational issues, ensuring deliveries are supported and disruptions resolved promptly.
• Maintain and manage daily and route allocation templates for drivers, vehicles and routes.
• Monitor driver performance, attendance and conduct; address concerns promptly.
• Investigate driver-related issues and implement improvements where necessary.
• Support driver recruitment, conduct interviews and coordinate inductions.
• Ensure compliance with procedures, health and safety regulations.
• Manage driver uniforms, holiday requests and cover for operations.
• Use vehicle tracking systems to review performance and identify improvement areas.

Skills

Driver management

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

KPI awareness

IT skills

Tools

Samsara

Route management software

Excel

Job description

Assistant Transport Manager - Supply Chain & Logistics - Croydon - Up to GBP48,000

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and growing business operating within the fresh produce distribution sector, with a busy transport operation delivering to customers across London and the surrounding areas.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Transport professional looking to take on a key leadership role within a fast-paced, time-critical delivery environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing a large team of drivers, overseeing daily dispatch operations and ensuring high standards of performance, compliance and customer service.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience managing a large driver team within a busy transport or multi-drop delivery operation, with strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Assistant Transport Manager - The Details

• Salary of GBP48,000 per annum
• Full-time, permanent position
• Monday to Friday, 43 hours per week
• Early morning start at 4:30am
• Based in Croydon
• Opportunity to lead and develop a large driver team
• Key role within a busy and growing transport operation
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to operational performance and service delivery

Assistant Transport Manager - Requirements

• Previous experience in a busy transport environment, including the management of a large driver team
• Proven experience managing drivers within a time-critical, multi-drop delivery operation
• Experience within fresh produce, food distribution or another time-sensitive delivery environment would be advantageous
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, manage and develop a team of drivers
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and a performance-driven approach, with the ability to work towards operational KPIs
• Ability to remain calm, professional and diplomatic when managing challenging situations
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with drivers, colleagues, customers and senior management
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced operational environment
• A proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of daily operations
• A strong understanding of driver compliance, health and safety requirements and operational procedures
• IT proficient, with experience using email, Microsoft Excel, Word and internet-based systems
• Experience using route management, vehicle tracking or driver monitoring systems such as Samsara
• Good knowledge of Central London and the surrounding delivery areas
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Assistant Transport Manager - Responsibilities

• Support the Transport Manager with the day-to-day management of the driver operation
• Take responsibility for the effective management, performance and development of a large team of 55+ route drivers and 10+ emergency drivers
• Oversee the daily dispatch operation between 4:30am and 6:00am, ensuring all routes are covered and departures run smoothly
• Manage daily dispatch, driver cover and operational issues, ensuring deliveries are supported and disruptions are resolved promptly
• Maintain and manage daily and route allocation templates, ensuring drivers, vehicles and routes are allocated accurately and efficiently
• Monitor driver performance, attendance, timekeeping and conduct, addressing any concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Investigate driver-related complaints and delivery issues, taking appropriate action and implementing improvements where necessary
• Manage driver investigations and performance-related matters, ensuring issues are handled fairly and consistently
• Support driver recruitment, conduct interviews and coordinate the induction of new drivers
• Ensure all drivers comply with operational procedures, company standards, health and safety requirements and relevant regulations
• Manage driver uniform requirements, including ordering, stock control, allocation and maintaining appropriate standards
• Oversee driver holiday requests and ensure sufficient cover is maintained to meet operational requirements
• Monitor driver and route performance, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and service levels
• Work closely with the Transport Administration team to support effective route planning, driver allocation and daily operations
• Liaise with the Driver Trainer to arrange training and inductions for new drivers, as well as refresher training for existing team members
• Work collaboratively with Customer Service, HR, Sales and other departments to resolve driver, route and delivery-related matters
• Use operational data and systems, including vehicle tracking and driver monitoring technology, to review performance and identify areas for improvement
• Manage driver phones and associated systems, ensuring devices are maintained, updated, correctly allocated and operational, including FFO, Android and Samsara facial recognition requirements
• Liaise with the Fleet Manager regarding vehicle cleanliness, servicing, defects and other fleet-related issues