Head of Operations - UK Haulage

Start People Ltd; Warrington; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or car allowance

Pension

Healthcare

21 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

Start People Ltd is seeking a Senior transport leader to head UK haulage operations from Warrington, overseeing three depots with national travel. You will shape strategy, drive profitability and implement new systems across the network.

The role demands a hands‑on leader with depot-style management experience, strong knowledge of transport law and fleet operations, and the ability to develop managers while improving efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing road transport or UK haulage operations across multiple depots.
• Experience leading and developing managers and operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, Operator Licensing, drivers' hours and compliance.
• Good technical understanding of fleet maintenance and repairs.
• Track record of improving operational processes, productivity and efficiencies.
• Experience introducing transport management systems, telematics or route planning technology.
• Strong commercial awareness, including budget management and cost control.
• A hands-on leadership style with the confidence to drive change and travel between depots.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the operational performance of three UK depots.
• Lead, manage and develop three Depot Managers, setting clear objectives and accountability.
• Standardise operating procedures across all locations.
• Identify and implement improvements to productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Introduce new transport systems, technology and reporting tools.
• Oversee transport planning, fleet utilisation, driver resourcing and vehicle performance.
• Drive improvements in vehicle maintenance, repairs, fuel efficiency and costs.
• Ensure compliance with Operator Licence, DVSA regulations, drivers' hours and tachograph rules.
• Maintain high health and safety standards across all depots.
• Monitor KPIs, budgets and performance, delivering measurable improvements.
• Collaborate with MD and senior team on strategic operational direction.
• Support commercial activities and new business opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

People management

Fleet management

Transport legislation

Route planning tech

Tools

Fleet management software

Job description

Head of Operations – UK Haulage & Transport

Location: Warrington – UK-wide travel required

Salary: Up to £75,000 basic salary

Bonus: 10% performance-related bonus

Benefits: Company car or car allowance, pension, healthcare and 21 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced transport and logistics professional looking for your next senior leadership opportunity?

We are recruiting a commercially minded Head of Operations to take responsibility for the operational performance of a multi-site UK haulage business, overseeing three depots across the country.

Based in Warrington and reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a key appointment offering the opportunity to influence business strategy, improve operational performance and shape the future direction of the organisation.

You will lead and develop three Depot Managers, driving consistency across all locations, improving productivity and profitability, and introducing new systems and technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established Transport Operations Manager, Regional Operations Manager or Head of Operations looking to progress towards an Operations Director position.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the operational performance of three UK depots.
• Lead, manage and develop three Depot Managers, setting clear objectives and accountability.
• Standardise operating procedures and working practices across all locations.
• Identify and implement improvements to productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Introduce new transport systems, technology and reporting tools.
• Oversee transport planning, fleet utilisation, driver resourcing and vehicle performance.
• Drive improvements in vehicle maintenance, repairs, fuel efficiency and operating costs.
• Ensure compliance with Operator Licence requirements, DVSA regulations, drivers' hours and tachograph legislation.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety across all depots.
• Monitor KPIs, budgets and operational performance, delivering measurable improvements.
• Work closely with the Managing Director and senior management team on operational strategy.
• Support commercial activities, customer requirements and new business opportunities.

About You

We are keen to speak with an established transport professional currently working as a Head of Operations, Regional Operations Manager, Transport Operations Manager or in a similar senior management position.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing road transport or UK haulage operations, ideally across multiple depots.
• Experience leading and developing managers and operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, Operator Licensing, drivers' hours and compliance.
• Good technical understanding of fleet management, vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• A track record of improving operational processes, productivity and efficiencies.
• Experience introducing transport management systems, telematics or route planning technology.
• Strong commercial awareness, including budget management and cost control.
• A hands‑on leadership style with the confidence to challenge existing processes and drive change.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel between UK depots.

Transport Manager CPC would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's On Offer?

• Basic salary up to £75,000, depending on experience.
• 10% performance-related bonus.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Pension and healthcare.
• 21 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Senior leadership position reporting directly to the Managing Director.
• Genuine opportunity to influence and shape the future of the business.
• Long-term career progression towards Board-level responsibility and potential Operations Director appointment.

Why Apply?

This is more than simply overseeing the day‑to‑day running of three transport depots. The business is looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, introduce better ways of working and take the operation to the next level.

If you are an ambitious transport and logistics leader looking for a role where you can make a genuine commercial impact, influence business direction and build towards an Operations Director position, we would be keen to hear from you.