Contract Manager, Transport Operations - Two Sites Leader

White Recruitment; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

White Recruitment is seeking a Contract Manager to lead two busy transport operations based at Thatcham and Newport. You will oversee day-to-day transport activities, manage drivers and office staff, and ensure safety, efficiency and profitability while delivering excellent service to key customers.

The role requires a hands-on leader with strong commercial sense, capable of driving performance improvements, managing costs and building trusted customer relationships across both sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract management, transport management or similar operational leadership role.
• Experience managing a busy transport operation with responsibility for people, customers and performance.
• Hands-on management style with the ability to get involved in the detail when required.
• Strong commercial awareness, including managing costs, budgets and operational performance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The confidence to work directly with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Experience managing drivers and operational teams.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Managing the daily transport operation across Thatcham and Newport.
• Maintaining a visible presence on-site, including regular visits to both locations.
• Leading and supporting a team of drivers and transport staff (up to 20 employees).
• Building strong working relationships with customers and acting as a key point of contact.
• Managing operational performance, service levels and customer expectations.
• Monitoring KPIs, costs and financial performance to ensure targets are achieved.
• Managing transport compliance, including drivers' hours, tachograph compliance, health & safety and operating licence requirements.
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance service delivery.
• Managing subcontractors and suppliers where required.
• Coaching and developing team members to improve engagement and performance.

Job description

White Recruitment is seeking a Contract Manager to lead two busy transport operations based at Thatcham and Newport. You will oversee day-to-day transport activities, manage drivers and office staff, and ensure safety, efficiency and profitability while delivering excellent service to key customers.

The role requires a hands-on leader with strong commercial sense, capable of driving performance improvements, managing costs and building trusted customer relationships across both sites.