External Bulk Transport Operations Manager

EMR Group; Erith; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

EMR Group is seeking an experienced External Bulk Transport Operations Manager to lead our regional external transport planning and relationships with external hauliers across the UK. The role focuses on data‑driven decision making, cost efficiency and delivering high standards of service.

You will drive planning processes, oversee performance against KPIs and collaborate with internal teams and Regional Bulk Managers to shape transport strategies and continuous improvement across operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in third‑party transport management or external haulage.
• Knowledge of ADR, waste legislation, O‑licence requirements.
• NEBOSH certification or safety training advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the external transport planning team and allocate resources.
• Build and maintain relationships with third‑party hauliers and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee daily/weekly/monthly transport performance and KPIs.
• Establish haulage rates and support rate governance with market insights.
• Manage vehicle dispatch, routing and tracking for efficiency and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with ADR, legislation and health and safety policies.
• Monitor vehicle, trailer and equipment maintenance for compliance.
• Analyse transport expenditure and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Produce monthly performance reports on provider performance and metrics.
• Collaborate with Regional Bulk Managers to share best practices.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Operational planning

Education

CPC qualification (National/International CPC)

Job description

About Our Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and driven External Bulk Transport Operations Managerto join our team at EMR. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in managing and developing our regional external transport operations, ensuring effective planning, cost efficiency and high standards of service delivery.

You will lead and support the external transport planning team, build strong relationships with our external haulier network and work collaboratively with internal operations, commercial teams and Regional Bulk Managers across the UK.

With a focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, you will help shape transport strategies, drive operational performance and ensure we continue to deliver the right results for our business and customers.

What You Will Be Doing

As an External Bulk Transport Operations Manager you will be responsible for:

• Leading and supporting the external transport planning team, ensuring effective resource allocation, consistent planning processes and delivery against operational targets.
• Managing and developing strong relationships with third-party hauliers, transport suppliers, internal operations, accounts and commercial stakeholders.
• Overseeing daily, weekly and monthly transport performance, ensuring service levels, KPIs and business objectives are achieved.
• Establishing and maintaining accurate haulage rates, supporting rate governance and providing market insights to inform transport and commercial decisions.
• Managing vehicle dispatch, routing and tracking activities to maximise vehicle utilisation and promote cost- and fuel-efficient operations.
• Ensuring compliance with ADR, waste legislation, O-licence requirements and relevant health, safety and environmental policies.
• Monitoring third-party vehicle, trailer and equipment maintenance to ensure operational standards and legal requirements are met.
• Analysing transport expenditure, haulage recovery and financial performance to identify cost-saving opportunities and support budgets and improvement plans.
• Producing timely monthly performance reports covering service provider performance and key operational metrics.
• Working closely with other Regional Bulk Managers across the UK to share best practice, align processes and support effective business decisions.
• Using data-driven insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement across planning, routing, supplier performance and operational delivery.

About You

We are looking for a collaborative, commercially aware and solutions-focused transport professional who can lead from the front and make a positive impact across our external haulage operations.

You will ideally bring:

• Previous experience in third-party transport management, external haulage or a similar operational transport environment.
• Standard National or International CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
• A proven track record of cost-effective purchasing, spend management and financial oversight.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to health, safety and environmental standards, with NEBOSH certification or relevant safety training being advantageous.
• A valid LGV Class C or C+E licence (desirable).
• Strong geographical knowledge of your operating area and the flexibility to travel widely and work extended hours when required.

You will be a strong team player with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement. You will be methodical, organised and proactive, with the ability to anticipate trends, solve problems and deliver results.

Above all, you will be someone who supports and develops their team, shares best practice across EMR and embraces opportunities to learn from others.

If you are ready to make a difference in regional transport operations and help drive the future of our external haulage network, we would love to hear from you.