Senior Transport Strategy & Network Optimisation Lead

Culina; Salford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus

Private Medical Cover

Company car or car Allowance

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Eye Care Vouchers

Reward & Recognition

Everyday Discounts

Job summary

Culina is seeking a Transport Strategy Lead to shape the future of transport across the Contract Logistics network. You will turn complex data into practical strategies that improve network efficiency, strengthen customer service and deliver measurable commercial results.

Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll lead transport strategy, network design and fleet optimisation, working with Operations, Commercial, Finance and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in transport, logistics or supply chain within a multi-site environment.
• Proven track record of transport strategy, network optimisation and large-scale transformation.
• Advanced capability in transport modelling, data analytics and cost-to-serve analysis.
• Strong commercial awareness with understanding fleet economics, subcontracting, pricing and margins.
• Ability to influence executive-level decisions and align teams without direct authority.
• Experience implementing standardised planning frameworks across dispersed sites.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders and strategic customers.
• Autonomy and resilience to lead cross-functional change and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the transport strategy and annual Transport Optimisation Plan.
• Lead network design and fleet strategy, sizing, capacity modelling and asset deployment.
• Improve fleet utilisation, reduce empty miles and subcontracting.
• Develop advanced transport modelling and scenario planning for investments.
• Produce cost-to-serve analysis and business cases using data and tools.
• Embed standardised planning frameworks and reduce duplicated effort.
• Support tenders, customer solutions and contract renewals through modelling.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and strategic customers to design scalable transport solutions.
• Track optimisation benefits and carbon performance, reporting to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Transport strategy

Network design

Data analytics

Cost-to-serve

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional leadership

Tools

Power BI

TMS

Job description

Culina is seeking a Transport Strategy Lead to shape the future of transport across the Contract Logistics network. You will turn complex data into practical strategies that improve network efficiency, strengthen customer service and deliver measurable commercial results.

Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll lead transport strategy, network design and fleet optimisation, working with Operations, Commercial, Finance and senior leaders.