Transport Manager

Irlam Associates; Colchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Irlam Associates is seeking an experienced Transport Compliance Manager to oversee regulatory compliance, operational performance and team leadership within a busy commercial transport environment.

This leadership role ensures the transport function operates legally, safely and efficiently, while developing a strong culture of compliance and accountability across the business.

Qualifications

• Requires valid Transport Manager CPC certificate.
• Minimum five years' experience in transport management.
• Strong knowledge of drivers’ hours and tachograph legislation.
• Thorough understanding of UK road transport legislation.
• Experience in general haulage or palletised distribution networks.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee regulatory compliance and operator standards across site.
• Lead accreditation efforts including FORS and Earned Recognition.
• Manage drivers’ hours, tachograph analysis and Working Time compliance.
• Develop Safe Systems of Work and risk assessments.
• Promote a safety-first culture and health and safety compliance.
• Lead team performance reviews and disciplinary processes.
• Provide KPI reporting to senior management.
• Coordinate CPC training and toolbox talks.

Skills

Transport compliance

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Health & safety

Audit & accreditation

Driver hours & tachographs

Policy governance

Performance management

Education

Valid Transport Manager CPC certificate

Five years’ experience in transport management

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Transport Compliance Manager to oversee regulatory compliance, operational performance and team leadership within a busy commercial transport environment.

This is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring the transport function operates legally, safely and efficiently, while developing a strong culture of compliance and accountability across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance and Operator Standards across site.

Operator Licence Oversight:

• Act as the designated CPC holder.
• Ensure full compliance with Traffic Commissioner and DVSA requirements.
• Protect the integrity of the Operator’s Licence at all times.

Accreditation and Audit Management:

• Maintain and enhance industry accreditation standards, including FORS or equivalent.
• Lead internal and external audits to retain recognised compliance standards.
• Support the business in working towards best-practice frameworks such as Earned Recognition.

Drivers’ Hours and Working Time Compliance:

• Oversee tachograph analysis and infringement management.
• Ensure strict adherence to UK and EU drivers’ hours legislation.
• Maintain compliance with the Road Transport Working Time Directive.

Safe Systems and Risk Management:

• Develop, implement and regularly review risk assessments.
• Create and maintain Safe Systems of Work across transport, yard and loading operations.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective measures.

Health and Safety Leadership:

• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the transport operation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation and internal standards.
• Promote safe working practices among employees and drivers.

Team Leadership and Culture

Culture and Engagement:

• Promote an open, accountable and safety-focused working environment.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration between operational teams and drivers.

Performance Management:

• Conduct regular employee performance reviews.
• Manage attendance, capability and performance concerns.
• Handle disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with company procedures.

Training and Development:

• Identify individual and team development requirements.
• Coordinate periodic CPC training.
• Deliver targeted toolbox talks based on compliance trends and infringement data.

Driver Wellbeing and Fatigue Management:

• Develop work schedules that prioritise driver wellbeing.
• Identify and manage fatigue-related risks.
• Ensure operational requirements remain safe and sustainable.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Operational KPIs:

• Monitor and report on key transport performance indicators.
• Track fuel performance, on-time delivery, vehicle utilisation and downtime.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance and efficiency.
• Prepare and present compliance, operational and financial reports.
• Provide senior management with clear updates on performance, risk and improvement activity.
• Monitor driver performance and compliance data.
• Identify recurring infringements or performance concerns.
• Implement corrective training and action plans where required.

Policy and Governance

Transport Policies and Procedures:

• Develop, review and enforce transport policies and procedures.
• Ensure robust processes are in place for defect reporting, accidents, drug and alcohol compliance and operational best practice.

Audit and Record Management:

• Maintain accurate and audit-ready records.
• Oversee documentation relating to vehicle maintenance, drivers’ hours, training and transport compliance.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Valid Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence – essential
• Minimum five years’ experience within a transport management position
• Strong knowledge of drivers’ hours, tachograph legislation and Working Time Regulations
• Comprehensive understanding of UK road transport legislation
• Experience within general haulage and/or palletised distribution networks
• Sound knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
• Strong leadership, communication and performance-management skills