Transport Manager

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 on 4 off

Peak assignment

7 weeks

6am-6pm

Job summary

JAM Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Transport Manager in Milton Keynes to lead transport and despatch operations during a peak period. The role focuses on owning the shift, directing Transport Planners, Site Managers and teams, and ensuring work plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.

You will be responsible for decision-making under pressure, managing priorities, and resolving operational disruptions while maintaining KPI targets and compliant, safe operations.

Qualifications

• Experience managing transport, logistics, distribution or despatch operations.
• Experience leading multiple teams or operational functions.
• Experience coordinating planners, managers and staff.
• Strong understanding of transport operations and vehicle utilisation.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage performance and accountability.
• Knowledge of safety, compliance and procedures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Good IT and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience in senior operational environments such as transport management or logistics would be desirable.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the transport and despatch operation on your shift.
• Lead and coordinate Transport Planners, Site Managers and operational teams.
• Ensure the daily operational work plan and service commitments are achieved.
• Oversee transport movements, despatch bays and vehicle departures.
• Maximise vehicle utilisation and ensure vehicles leave at optimum capacity.
• Monitor operational performance, KPIs and service levels.
• Identify and resolve operational issues quickly.
• Manage contractor driver attendance and escalate no-shows.
• Ensure strict adherence to planned departure times and operational procedures.
• Ensure safe, compliant and legal operations across the shift.
• Manage operational risks, service failures and contingency plans.
• Ensure the Parcel Sort Centre is clear of all due parcels at the end of the shift.
• Work closely with internal teams, contractors and senior stakeholders.
• Provide clear direction and maintain accountability across the shift.

Skills

Transport operations

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Safety compliance

IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Transport Manager, Wavendon (Milton Keynes), £23.00–£27.00 per hour, temporary contract running 9 November to 24 December 2026. This seven-week assignment operates on a 4-on/4-off shift pattern, 6:00am to 6:00pm, within a busy Parcel Sort Centre. You will lead the shift operation, directing Transport Planners, Site Managers and operational crews to deliver the work plan safely and on schedule. Confidence in decision-making and handling competing pressures is essential, particularly when resolving operational disruptions. Prior experience in transport or despatch leadership is required. This role suits a decisive manager ready to take full ownership during the peak season.

Location: Milton Keynes Pay: £23.00–£27.00 per hour Hours: 6:00am – 6:00pm Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off Assignment: 9 November – 24 December 2026 Duration: 7 weeks

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Transport Manager to take ownership of transport and despatch operations during the Peak period. This is a key operational leadership position within a busy Parcel Sort Centre. You will be responsible for leading the shift operation, managing Transport Planners, Site Managers and operational teams , and ensuring the work plan is delivered safely, efficiently and on time. You’ll need to be confident making decisions, managing competing priorities and taking control when operational issues arise.

What You'll Be Doing

• Take overall responsibility for the transport and despatch operation on your shift
• Lead and coordinate Transport Planners, Site Managers and operational teams
• Ensure the daily operational work plan and service commitments are achieved
• Oversee transport movements, despatch bays and vehicle departures
• Maximise vehicle utilisation and ensure vehicles leave at optimum capacity
• Monitor operational performance, KPIs and service levels
• Identify and resolve operational issues quickly
• Manage contractor driver attendance and escalate no-shows
• Ensure strict adherence to planned departure times and operational procedures
• Ensure safe, compliant and legal operations across the shift
• Manage operational risks, service failures and contingency plans
• Ensure the Parcel Sort Centre is clear of all due parcels at the end of the shift
• Work closely with internal teams, contractors and senior stakeholders
• Provide clear direction and maintain accountability across the shift

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced transport or logistics professional with strong operational leadership experience. You'll ideally have:

• Experience managing transport, logistics, distribution or despatch operations
• Experience leading multiple teams or operational functions
• Experience managing or coordinating planners, managers and operational staff
• Strong understanding of transport operations, vehicle utilisation and network flows
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage performance and hold others accountable
• Strong understanding of safety, compliance and operational procedures
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Confidence working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Good IT and Microsoft Office skills
• Previous experience in transport management, transport control, logistics management, haulage, parcel operations, network operations or a similar senior operational environment would be highly desirable.

What's on Offer?

• £23–£27 per hour
• 4 days on / 4 days off
• 6:00am – 6:00pm
• Fixed 7-week Peak assignment
• Senior operational responsibility
• Opportunity to lead a high-volume transport and distribution operation
• Fast-paced environment during the busiest period of the year

Ready for the challenge?

If you're an experienced transport professional who can take control, make decisions and keep an operation moving under pressure, we'd like to hear from you.