Transport Contract Manager

Zachary Daniels Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK seeks a Transport Contract Manager to enhance service excellence within the transport network. You will manage carrier relationships, monitor KPIs, and implement cost-saving measures. Candidates should have over 3 years of experience in logistics, a strong grasp of UK regulations, and proficiency in TMS platforms and Excel. This role might require travel across various UK locations. Competitive salary of £55k offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in transport/logistics coordination or account management.
• Strong understanding of fleet operations and MHE.
• Experience with e-commerce and final-mile delivery networks.

Responsibilities

• Manage third-party carrier relationships and ensure SLA compliance.
• Track delivery performance metrics and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to logistics projects and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Transport/logistics coordination

Understanding of UK transport regulations

Experience with third-party carriers

Proficient in TMS platforms

Analytical skills

Supplier negotiation

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Transport Contract Manager | Retail/3PL | Suffolk | £55k

Role Summary

I am exclusively looking for a Transport Contract Manager to help drive efficiency and service excellence across its transport and distribution network.

The Transport Contract Manager will be responsible for managing third-party carrier relationships, ensuring SLA compliance, monitoring transport KPIs, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and service improvements. This role bridges operations and commercial performance, supporting both day-to-day delivery execution and longer-term strategic projects.

The role will involve travel to various locations across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Account & Carrier Management

• Serve as the main point of contact for third-party logistics providers.
• Ensure contractual obligations and service levels are consistently met.
• Support contract negotiations, onboarding, and performance reviews.
• Support in working with the MHE provider

KPI & Service Monitoring

• Track and report on delivery performance metrics (OTIF, damage rates, cost per mile/load).
• Investigate service failures and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare regular reports for internal stakeholders and senior leadership.

Operational Support

• Liaise closely with warehouse, replenishment, and store operations to resolve delivery issues.
• Assist with inbound and outbound logistics coordination.

Cost Control & Commercial Insight

• Review transport invoices and reconcile against agreed rates and fuel surcharges.
• Identify cost-reduction initiatives, including route optimisation and load consolidation.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to logistics projects including TMS upgrades, automation, and sustainability initiatives.
• Recommend improvements in processes, reporting, or technology to drive efficiency.

Skills & Experience

• 3+ years in a transport/logistics coordination or account management role.
• Strong understanding of UK transport regulations, fleet operations and MHE.
• Experience working with third-party hauliers and carriers.
• Proficient in TMS platforms and Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets.
• Analytical, commercially minded, and confident in supplier negotiations.

• Retail, 3PL or FMCG logistics background.
• Experience with e-commerce and final-mile delivery networks