Transport Manager

Fleet News group; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Fleet News group in Blandford Forum is seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead day-to-day transport and warehouse operations, driving structure, performance and team engagement in a fast-paced distribution environment.

You will manage drivers and supervisors on the ground, ensure compliance with transport legislation, apply best practices, and look for practical improvements that deliver cost efficiency and high service levels.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Transport Manager within a fast-paced distribution environment.
• CPC qualification is essential.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, compliance and operational best practice.
• Experience within food distribution or a multi-temperature environment would be highly advantageous.
• Hands-on management style—comfortable being out in the operation and working alongside drivers and supervisors.
• Ability to enforce processes and standards while maintaining positive and productive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Leading, supporting and developing a team of drivers and transport supervisors.
• Taking ownership of the transport operation and implementing structure, consistency and accountability.
• Reviewing and enforcing transport processes and procedures.
• Identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and optimise existing processes.
• Ensuring compliance across the operation, including driver and vehicle legislation.
• Building strong relationships with drivers, supervisors and colleagues across the wider business.
• Managing performance and addressing issues confidently and fairly.
• Working closely with the team on the ground and leading by example.
• Adapting quickly to operational challenges and finding practical solutions.
• Driving continuous improvement across a busy and demanding distribution environment.

Skills

People management

Communication skills

Decision making

Hands-on leadership

Operational leadership

Education

CPC qualification

Job description

Transport Manager

Blandford Forum | £50,000–£55,000 | Permanent

Are you a hands‑on Transport Manager who thrives on bringing structure, improving performance and getting the very best out of a team?

We are recruiting for an experienced Transport Manager to join a fast‑paced and complex distribution operation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves, take control of an operation and make a genuine impact from day one.

The Role

You will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day transport and warehouse operation, working closely with drivers, supervisors and the wider management team to ensure the operation is running safely, efficiently and to the highest possible standards.

This is not a role for someone who prefers to manage from behind a desk. We are looking for a visible, proactive and adaptable leader who can get involved at every level of the operation.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading, supporting and developing a team of drivers and transport supervisors.
• Taking ownership of the transport operation and implementing structure, consistency and accountability.
• Reviewing and enforcing transport processes and procedures.
• Identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and optimise existing processes.
• Ensuring compliance across the operation, including driver and vehicle legislation.
• Building strong relationships with drivers, supervisors and colleagues across the wider business.
• Managing performance and addressing issues confidently and fairly.
• Working closely with the team on the ground and leading by example.
• Adapting quickly to operational challenges and finding practical solutions.
• Driving continuous improvement across a busy and demanding distribution environment.

About You

We are looking for a strong operational leader with the confidence and experience to take control of an established transport and warehouse function while bringing people with you.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience as a Transport Manager within a fast‑paced distribution environment.
• A CPC qualification is essential.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, compliance and operational best practice.
• Experience within food distribution or a multi‑temperature environment would be highly advantageous.
• A hands‑on management style — comfortable being out in the operation and working alongside drivers and supervisors.
• The ability to enforce processes and standards while maintaining positive and productive relationships.
• Strong people‑management and communication skills.
• Experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical improvements.
• The confidence to make decisions, challenge existing ways of working and take ownership.
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to respond effectively in a fast‑moving environment.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Transport Manager to step into an important role and make a real difference.

You’ll be joining an operation where your experience, leadership and ability to improve processes will be genuinely valued. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership, build strong relationships with the team and leave a lasting impact on the operation.

If you're a commercially aware, hands‑on Transport Manager with the ability to bring structure, drive improvement and get the best out of people, we'd love to hear from you.