Head of Transport & Despatch / 70k / Immediate Start

VANRATH; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major logistics firm in Antrim is seeking an experienced Head of Transport & Despatch to oversee operations across the UK and Ireland. This senior leadership role will involve managing transport operations, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic logistics initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a CPC qualification and extensive experience in multi-site transport management. Competitive salary and a supportive work environment are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

High-impact leadership role

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in transport, logistics, or despatch leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of UK & ROI transport legislation.
• Experience managing multi-site operations and logistics functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Transport & Despatch teams across multiple sites.
• Oversee compliant transport operations across the UK and ROI.
• Ensure accurate and on-time despatch of goods to customers.

Skills

Transport logistics leadership

Compliance knowledge

Budget management

Team development

Communication

Education

CPC qualification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Overview

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting a major client with the recruitment of an Experienced Head of Transport & Despatch to join an experienced and dynamic team based in Antrim.

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\'ll also help shape and implement the long-term logistics strategy for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• 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).

Transport Operations

• 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).

Despatch Operations

• 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.

Collaboration & Communication

• 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.

IND/PD