Assistant Transport Manager

Fleet News group; Croydon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Fleet News group in Croydon is seeking an Assistant Transport Manager to lead a large driver team in a busy, time-critical delivery operation. You will develop drivers, oversee the dispatch process and ensure high standards of performance, safety and customer service.

The role starts early at 4:30am with a 43-hour week and a £50,000 salary. Based in Croydon, you will collaborate with Transport, Fleet and Customer Service teams to optimise routes and ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a large driver team in a time-critical, multi-drop delivery operation.
• Proven leadership in a busy transport environment with strong KPI focus.
• Knowledge of driver compliance, health and safety requirements and operational procedures.
• Proficient with route planning and driver monitoring systems.

Responsibilities

• Support the Transport Manager with day-to-day driver operation management.
• Lead a large team of 55+ route drivers and 10+ emergency drivers, ensuring performance.
• Oversee daily dispatch between 4:30am and 6:00am; ensure routes are covered and departures run smoothly.
• Manage daily dispatch, driver cover and operational issues; resolve disruptions promptly.
• Maintain and manage route allocation templates; allocate drivers, vehicles and routes efficiently.
• Monitor driver performance, attendance and conduct; address concerns promptly.
• Investigate driver-related issues and implement improvements.
• Assist with driver recruitment, interviews and inductions.
• Ensure compliance with procedures, standards and health and safety requirements.
• Liaise with Fleet Manager on vehicle cleanliness, servicing and defects.
• Coordinate with Customer Service, HR, Sales on route and delivery matters.
• Use data and systems to review performance and identify improvements.

Skills

Driver team leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

IT literacy

Route management

Samsara

Excel

Tools

Samsara

Excel

Job description

Assistant Transport Manager - Supply Chain & Logistics - Croydon - Up to £50,000

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 £50,000 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