Transport Manager

D R Newitt Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt Recruitment partners with a leading food ingredients distributor in the UK, seeking a Transport Manager to own the site's transport function and lead a 35-vehicle operation. You will drive OTIF, compliance, safety, and a strategic EV transition while embedding data-led continuous improvement.

You will manage fleet performance, route planning, driver performance, and FORS compliance, shaping the future transport structure in alignment with sustainability goals and industry regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ management experience in multi-drop transport, logistics, or food distribution.
• Hands-on EV transition experience in fleet operations.
• Experience using data and TMS to analyse performance and drive efficiencies.
• Ability to shape long-term transport structure and sustainability goals.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, driver hours, and FORS standards.
• Holding a Transport Manager CPC (O-Licence) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 35-vehicle fleet operation and compliance.
• Lead EV transition and infrastructure planning.
• Utilise TMS analytics, tachograph data, and route metrics to drive improvements.
• Drive OTIF and temperature control compliance; optimise routes and load distribution.
• Manage driver performance, training, and health & safety standards.

Skills

5+ years management

EV transition experience

Data-driven transport management

TMS analytics

Transport Manager CPC (O-Licence).des

People management

UK driving licence

Tools

TMS platform

Job description

Fleet Size: 35 Commercial Vehicles (Own Fleet)

We are partnering with a leading distributor of exceptional fine food ingredients, supplying top chefs, luxury hotels, and prestigious dining establishments. As a certified B-Corp, sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility are at the absolute heart of their operations— not just in their products, but in how they deliver them.

To support their continued growth and ambitious environmental goals, they are seeking an ambitious, data-driven, and forward-thinking Transport Manager to lead their site transport operations, drive fleet performance, and spearhead their transition into a sustainable, future-ready logistics fleet.

The Role

You will take end-to-end ownership of the site's daily transport function and own fleet of 35 multi-drop delivery vehicles.

Beyond ensuring flawless daily delivery performance (OTIF), vehicle compliance, and safety, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future structure of the transport operations. A major focus will be leading the ongoing transition toward Electric Vehicles (EV) and embedding a culture of data-led continuous improvement aligned with the company’s B-Corp sustainability commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Management & EV Transition

• Oversee and maintain the operation and legal compliance of the 35-vehicle fleet, supporting Operator’s Licence and safety standards.
• Lead the site’s transition to EV / zero-emission commercial vehicles, managing infrastructure needs, vehicle range considerations, and route adaptations.
• Oversee maintenance, repair budgets, contractor relationships, and driver daily check compliance to keep vehicle downtime to a minimum.

Data-Driven Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Act as a true data champion - utilising TMS platform analytics, tachograph data, fuel/energy usage, and route efficiency metrics to identify and implement operational improvements.
• Track and drive key transport KPIs including OTIF, temperature control/cold chain compliance, drop density, and driver performance.
• Optimise route planning, payload weight distribution, and time windows in close collaboration with warehouse and regional hub teams.

Future Vision & Sustainability

• Help design and implement a modern, scalable, and sustainable transport structure that supports the business's B-Corp goals.
• Champion carbon reduction, green logistics, and environmental initiatives across the fleet.
• Lead, coach, and motivate the driver and transport admin team, fostering a culture of safety, customer service excellence, and accountability.
• Oversee driver debriefs, infringements, working hours, CPC training requirements, and probation reviews.
• Ensure full adherence to FORS compliance, health & safety regulations, and BRC food hygiene standards across transport.

Your Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ management experience within multi-drop temperature-controlled transport, logistics, or food distribution.
• Hands-on experience working with or transitioning fleets to Electric Vehicles (EV) and sustainable fleet technology.
• Demonstrable experience using data and transport management software (TMS) to analyse operational performance and deliver measurable efficiencies.
• Ability to look beyond day-to-day firefighting to shape the long-term structure, sustainability, and efficiency of the transport department.
• Strong understanding of transport legislation, driver hours, and FORS standards. Holding a Transport Manager CPC (O-Licence) is highly desirable, though not a strict deal-breaker for the right operations-focused candidate.
• Strong people manager who can inspire teams, manage cross-departmental relationships (warehouse/sales), and maintain resilience under operational pressure.
• Full valid UK Driving Licence (Cat C / HGV Class 2 is an advantage).