Assistant Transport Manager (Days) Bellshill

Blue Arrow; Bellshill; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Arrow in Bellshill is seeking an Assistant Transport Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of a 24/7 transport network, manage staff, and control costs.

Reporting to the Transport Manager, you will drive compliance, fleet maintenance, KPI monitoring, and continuous improvement while supporting the 4 on 4 off shift pattern.

Qualifications

• Experience leading transport operations.
• Driver management responsibility.
• Proven transport planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Ownership of KPIs and performance.
• Strong people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead depot transport staff to execute plans and meet service levels.
• Ensure fleet is operational and available for planning.
• Support running of 24/7 transport operation.
• Deputise for Transport Manager as needed.
• Ensure compliance with transport laws and regulatory requirements.
• Manage vehicle defects and liaise with third-party hauliers.
• Maintain maintenance schedules and audits.
• Control maintenance and fuel spend within budgets.
• Lead coaching and development for transport colleagues.
• Attend customer review meetings and share KPI updates.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to boost efficiency.

Skills

Transport leadership

Driver management

Transport planning

Regulatory compliance

KPI ownership

People management

Job description

Assistant Transport Manager

Location: Bellshill

Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off Days, 06:00 - 18:00

Salary: Up to £44,000

Reporting To: Transport Manager

Contract: Permanent

Overview

Reporting to the Transport Manager, the Assistant Transport Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a 24/7 transport operation, leading the transport team and ensuring operational costs are controlled in line with budget and forecast expectations. The role combines transport operations management, compliance, fleet oversight, people leadership and continuous improvement responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations

• Manage depot transport staff to execute transport plans and deliver agreed customer service levels.
• Ensure all available fleet is operational and declared for planning purposes.
• Support the efficient running of a 24/7 transport operation.
• Deputise for the Transport Manager as required.

Compliance & Fleet Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant transport legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Manage reported vehicle and trailer defects with third-party hauliers.
• Ensure annual MOTs, servicing and maintenance schedules are completed on time.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct audits where required.
• Review and approve maintenance cost reports and associated invoices.

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Reduce maintenance and damage-related expenditure through effective fleet management.
• Manage maintenance and fuel spend in line with transport budgets.
• Monitor key operational KPIs and associated costs.

People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop transport colleagues through coaching, training and development plans.
• Ensure employees are fully trained, competent and equipped to perform their roles safely and effectively.
• Promote engagement and high performance across the transport team.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Attend customer review meetings in the absence of the Transport Manager.
• Support communication within the department through team briefings and KPI reviews.
• Work collaboratively with customers and operational teams to improve service delivery.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement operational improvements to increase efficiency and service performance.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across the transport operation.
• Support environmental initiatives, including reducing road miles and the company's carbon footprint.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure a safe and secure working environment for all employees.
• Promote compliance with Health & Safety policies and best practice across the operation.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Transport operations leadership experience.
• Driver management responsibility.
• Transport planning and operational decision-making.
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge.
• KPI ownership and performance management.
• Strong people management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Assistant Transport Manager, Transport Shift Manager or Deputy Transport Manager background.
• Fleet management responsibility.
• Experience within large-scale logistics or distribution environments.
• Continuous improvement project involvement.
• Budget management experience.

Key Selling Points

• Opportunity to join one of the UK's largest logistics operators.
• Significant operational responsibility within a large transport network.
• Genuine opportunity to influence standards, compliance and performance.
• Clear progression pathway into Transport Manager-level positions.
• Exposure to continuous improvement and wider operational projects.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people