Container Transport Manager

Bradley David Associates; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

25 days holiday plus service increase

Birthday off after probation

Life assurance

Company pension

EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)

Health & wellbeing subscription

On-site parking

Job summary

Bradley David Associates is seeking an experienced Container Transport Manager to lead a busy transport planning operation in Felixstowe, Suffolk. The role covers container haulage, traffic planning and team management across key ports including Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton.

You will oversee fleet utilisation, driver allocation and KPI monitoring while maintaining strong relationships with drivers, customers and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in container transport / container haulage.
• Strong hands-on experience of truck and traffic planning.
• Minimum 5 years' experience leading an operational transport team.
• Working knowledge of port systems and container transport software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a busy team of Transport Operators / Planners.
• Oversee container transport planning from Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton.
• Ensure efficient fleet utilisation and effective allocation of drivers and vehicles.
• Monitor operational revenue targets, service levels and overall performance.
• Manage day-to-day operational issues and resolve problems quickly.

Skills

Container transport

Traffic planning

People management

Leadership

Driver hours compliance

UK geography

Tools

TOPS

VBS bookings

Job description

We are recruiting on behalf of an established and growing logistics business looking for an experienced Container Transport Manager to lead a busy transport planning operation.

This is a senior operational role suited to someone with extensive experience in container haulage, traffic planning and team management, with strong knowledge of UK ports and container transport operations.

Felixstowe / Suffolk

£55,000 – £65,000 + Company Car

The Role:

• Lead and manage a busy team of Transport Operators / Planners
• Oversee container transport planning from Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton
• Ensure efficient fleet utilisation and effective allocation of drivers and vehicles
• Monitor operational revenue targets, service levels and overall performance
• Manage day‑to‑day operational issues and ensure problems are resolved quickly
• Maintain strong relationships and communication with drivers, customers and internal teams
• Oversee VBS bookings, helping to minimise wasted slots and unnecessary costs
• Monitor operational KPIs and daily performance statistics
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and service levels
• Ensure compliance with Working Time Directive, EU Drivers' Hours and relevant transport regulations
• Support a positive, high‑performing culture across the transport operation
• Provide a professional point of contact for key operational and customer queries
• Occasionally travel to other depot locations when required

What We're Looking For:

• Significant experience within container transport / container haulage
• Strong hands‑on experience of truck and traffic planning
• Minimum 5 years' experience leading an operational transport team
• Working knowledge of TOPS and container transport systems
• Strong understanding of port systems and VBS bookings
• Excellent knowledge of UK geography and major container ports
• Good understanding of driver hours and transport compliance
• Proven ability to manage a fast‑paced traffic operation under pressure
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of operational performance
• Confident customer‑facing and relationship‑building skills
• Excellent problem‑solving, organisational and communication skills
• Strong IT skills and attention to detail

What's On Offer:

• £55,000 – £65,000 salary, depending on experience
• Company car
• 23 days' holiday, increasing to 25 days with service
• Birthday off following successful probation
• Life assurance
• Company pension
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Health & wellbeing subscription
• On-site parking

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Container Transport Operations Manager, Transport Manager, Traffic Manager or Senior Transport Planner looking to take ownership of a busy container transport operation.