Head of Transport & Despatch / 70k / Immediate Start

VanRath; Antrim; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking a Head of Transport & Despatch to oversee operations across the UK and Ireland. This senior leadership role involves developing high-performing teams, ensuring compliance with transport legislation, and managing logistics strategy. The ideal candidate has significant experience in transport leadership, strong budgeting skills, and proficiency in ERP systems.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in transport, logistics, or despatch leadership.
• Strong experience managing multi-site operations and complex logistics functions.
• Financially astute with experience managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Transport & Despatch teams.
• Ensure compliance and efficiency in transport operations.
• Manage the full vehicle lifecycle and budget.

Skills

Senior-level transport experience

Knowledge of UK & ROI transport legislation

People leadership

Budget management

Excellent communication

Education

CPC qualification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Head of Transport & Despatch

Location: UK & ROI | Level: Senior Leadership | Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 DOE | Hours: 37.5 per week (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:30pm)
Flexible start/finish times available

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader to oversee our Transport and Despatch operations across the UK and Ireland. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on business performance—ensuring full legal compliance, operational efficiency, and high levels of customer service. You will help shape and implement the long-term logistics strategy for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop high-performing Transport & Despatch teams across multiple sites.
• Define and execute department strategy aligned with overall business goals.
• Champion a culture of safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Monitor and drive key KPIs (e.g., OTIF, cost efficiency, safety, lead times).

• Oversee compliant and efficient transport operations across the UK and ROI.
• Act as the named CPC holder and ensure operator licence compliance (NI & UK).
• Manage the full vehicle lifecycle: procurement, utilisation, maintenance, and disposal.
• Ensure full driver compliance (licensing, CPC, tachograph, WTD).
• Own and manage the transport budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Lead relationships with subcontractors and manage cross-channel logistics (NI-GB).

• Ensure accurate and on-time despatch of goods to customers, sites, and branches.
• Work with production and planning teams to align schedules and optimise flow.
• Manage despatch operations, including staff allocation, performance, and training.
• Maintain high standards of quality control and ensure accurate ERP/MRP record-keeping.
• Oversee safe handling and loading, particularly of fragile items such as glass.
• Lead associated areas such as glazing, frame preparation, and glass protection.

• Build strong relationships with internal teams including Production, Quality Control, Customer Service, Credit Control, HR, and Health & Safety.
• Collaborate with transport planners to improve route efficiency and delivery performance.
• Ensure effective coordination and communication between Antrim and Lancaster sites.

About You

• Proven senior-level experience in transport, logistics, or despatch leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of UK & ROI transport legislation; CPC qualification essential.
• Strong experience managing multi-site operations and complex logistics functions.
• Financially astute with experience managing budgets and delivering efficiencies.
• Skilled in people leadership, team development, and performance management.
• Confident using ERP/MRP systems and leveraging data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communicator with strong planning and stakeholder engagement skills.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A high-impact leadership role with broad geographic responsibility.
• The opportunity to shape and drive logistics strategy across the UK and Ireland.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Interested? For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Phil Doherty at VANRATH.