Senior Transport Operator

TLP; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car

Free Parking

Pension

Job summary

TLP is seeking a Senior Transport Operator/Planner in Felixstowe to lead container movements, coordinate daily haulage, and optimise fleet utilisation in a busy port environment. You'll own day-to-day operations, balance customers, drivers and compliance, and drive continuous improvements across the transport function, reporting to the Felixstowe operation leaders.

Applicants should bring strong container haulage background, knowledge of UK ports, and the ability to make decisions under pressure

Qualifications

• Extensive container haulage and transport operations experience.
• Strong planning and coordination skills across drivers, fleets and customers.
• Solid understanding of driver hours, working time regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and coordination of daily container collections and deliveries.
• Allocate HGV drivers and vehicles to maximise fleet utilisation and minimise empty mileage.
• Manage operational challenges such as port delays, vehicle issues and changing customer requirements.
• Monitor movements and ensure deliveries/collections stay on schedule.
• Liaise with ports, customers, hauliers and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensure transport activity complies with driver hours and road transport rules.
• Identify efficiency, service and cost improvements; share best practices with the team.
• Use transport management systems to plan, track and manage movements.
• Take ownership of issues and implement practical solutions.
• Build strong relationships with drivers and customers through clear communication.

Skills

Container haulage experience

Transport planning

Fleet optimisation

Driver hours knowledge

Port familiarity

Tools

TMS

Job description

Senior Transport Operator- Felixstowe

£60-65K DOE + Car

Free Park

Pension

Who enjoys moving boxes? Big ones?

UK container logistics specialist with over 20 years' experience moving the big stuff from A to B — without the drama.

Their secret? Smart planning, experienced people, a great fleet, and a shared determination to get the job done properly (with the occasional bacon roll thrown in for good measure).

We're now looking for an experienced Senior Transport Operator / Planner to join their Felixstowe operation.

This is a key role for someone who knows container transport inside out, understands the realities of operating around a busy UK port, and can balance people, vehicles, customers, compliance and cost to keep everything moving.

You'll be trusted to take ownership of the day-to-day operation, making decisions, solving problems and helping drive continuous improvements across the transport function.

The Role

As Senior Transport Operator / Planner, you'll be responsible for planning and coordinating container movements while providing a senior level of operational support to the wider transport team.

You'll be working closely with drivers, customers, ports and internal teams to make sure every movement is planned efficiently, safely and commercially.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and coordination of daily container collections and deliveries
• Allocate HGV drivers and vehicles efficiently, maximising fleet utilisation and minimising empty mileage
• Manage the operational challenges that come with container transport, including port delays, vehicle issues, driver availability and changing customer requirements
• Monitor container movements and ensure deliveries and collections remain on schedule
• Liaise confidently with Felixstowe and other UK ports, customers, hauliers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure all transport activity is carried out in line with driver hours, working time, road transport and company compliance requirements
• Monitor operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, service and cost
• Use transport management systems to plan, track and manage movements
• Support and guide the wider transport team, sharing knowledge and helping develop best practice
• Take ownership of operational issues and find practical solutions before they become bigger problems
• Build strong relationships with drivers and customers, providing a high level of communication and service
• Contribute to the ongoing development of transport processes and procedures

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who has genuine experience in container haulage and transport operations and is ready to take the next step into a senior role.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong previous experience in container-based road transport operations — essential
• Excellent knowledge of UK container ports, with Felixstowe experience highly desirable
• A strong understanding of HGV transport operations, driver hours and working time regulations
• Experience planning and optimising HGV fleet movements
• Good knowledge of transport compliance and operational procedures
• Experience using a TMS or transport planning system
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
• The confidence to make decisions and take ownership when things don't go to plan
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with drivers, customers and colleagues
• A commercially minded approach, with an understanding of the impact of fleet utilisation, empty mileage and operational efficiency
• The ability to work calmly under pressure in a fast-moving environment

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join an established and growing container logistics business where your experience will genuinely make a difference.

You'll have the autonomy to make decisions; improve the way we operate and play an important part in the continued success of the Felixstowe operation.

If you know your way around container haulage, can keep an HGV fleet moving efficiently, and are ready for a role with more responsibility and influence, we'd like to hear from you