Operations Manager

i4 Recruitment Ltd; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

i4 Recruitment Ltd is seeking an Operations Manager to run day-to-day transport operations at the West Thurrock site, ensuring deliveries go out safely, on time and in full while supervising the driver team. This role suits an experienced Transport Supervisor or an Assistant Transport Manager stepping up in the chemical sector, with a focus on planning, compliance, and continuous improvement.

You will coordinate daily work, optimise routes, monitor performance using telematics, and deputise for

Qualifications

• Experience as Transport Supervisor or Assistant Transport Manager.
• Knowledge of drivers' hours, WTD, tachograph and O-licence compliance.
• Organised, hands-on and able to make decisions under pressure.
• Confident with IT systems and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate daily work to meet delivery requirements and fleet utilization.
• Review routes and fuel efficiency to keep costs in check.
• Support audits, KPIs and continuous improvement; deputise for Transport Managers.
• Manage HGV drivers, including inductions, absence and return-to-work talks.
• Ensure ADR compliance for dangerous goods and monitor vehicle maintenance.

Skills

Transport management experience

Driver supervision

Route planning

Compliance knowledge

IT proficiency

Tools

Samsara

Qargo

Job description

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 16:00 (45 hours per week)

Salary: £37,000 – £42,000 per annum, depending on experience

• Monday to Friday days, no weekends.

The Role – Operations Manager

To run day-to-day transport operations at the West Thurrock site, making sure chemical deliveries go out safely, on time and in full, managing the driver team and keeping every driver and vehicle compliant.

The role would suit an experienced Transport Supervisor ready to step into management, or an Assistant Transport Manager looking for a new challenge in the chemical sector.

Operations & Planning – Operations Manager

You will act as the first point of contact for daily transport operations and customer service queries. You will plan and allocate daily work so the delivery plan meets customer requirements and makes best use of the fleet.

You will review routes and fuel efficiency to keep the operation cost-effective. You will also support the Transport Managers with audits, KPIs and continuous improvement, and deputise in their absence.

Driver Management – Operations Manager

You will supervise, support and manage HGV drivers, including briefings, inductions, absence and return-to-work conversations. You will carry out driver investigations and support disciplinary and performance processes.

You will monitor driver and fleet performance using telematics and TMS systems such as Samsara and Qargo.

Compliance & Safety – Operations Manager

You will make sure drivers work within drivers' hours, Working Time Directive and tachograph rules, reviewing infringements and acting on them. You will ensure ADR compliance for all dangerous goods movements, including documentation, PPE and vehicle equipment.

You will manage vehicle defects, maintenance schedules and roadworthiness in line with O-licence undertakings. You will also report and investigate incidents, near misses and customer complaints, and put corrective actions in place.

Essential Skills and Experience – Operations Manager

• Proven experience as a Transport Supervisor or Assistant Transport Manager.
• Good working knowledge of drivers' hours, WTD, tachograph and O-licencecompliance.
• Organised, hands-on and able to make decisions under pressure.
• Confident with IT systems and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Skills and Experience – Operations Manager

• Experience handling drivers.
• Fleet monitoring experience in Samsara and/or Qargo.