Transport Manager

Ashton Recruitment; Newry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Private healthcare

Training and development opportunities

Funded professional development

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

Ashton Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a well-established specialist services business for an experienced Transport Manager to join its Newry-based operation.

You will oversee a fleet of around 80 commercial vehicles, ensure safety, compliance and operational readiness, and shape long-term fleet strategy including purchasing and technology adoption.

This role blends hands-on management with collaborating across garage, suppliers and operations to drive efficiency and cost control.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience in a Transport Manager or Fleet Manager role.
• Experience managing commercial vehicles, HGVs, plant or specialist equipment.
• Strong knowledge of fleet maintenance and transport compliance requirements.
• Experience scheduling inspections, servicing, PSV tests and MOTs.
• Understanding of Operator Licence obligations and defect-management procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all vehicles comply with DVA requirements and Operator Licence conditions.
• Plan and coordinate preventative and reactive vehicle and plant maintenance.
• Schedule Planned Maintenance Inspections, PSV tests, MOTs and other checks.
• Coordinate with in-house garage to allocate resources and priority maintenance.
• Manage relationships with external service providers and suppliers.
• Monitor costs and value for money across the fleet.
• Respond to breakdowns and equipment issues to minimise downtime.
• Maintain records of servicing, inspections, repairs and compliance activity.
• Oversee daily vehicle checks and defect escalation.
• Support vehicle purchasing decisions and long-term fleet strategy.

Skills

Fleet management

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & cost control

Driver supervision

Stakeholder management

Education

CILT Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers - Road Haulage

Category C/HGV driving licence

Tools

Fleet-management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ashton Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a well-established specialist services business for an experienced Transport Manager to join its Newry-based operation.

Transport Manager

Location: Newry
Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

This is an excellent opportunity to take responsibility for the management, maintenance and regulatory compliance of a substantial commercial fleet and range of specialist operational equipment.

The successful candidate will oversee approximately 80 commercial vehicles, including specialist tanker, combination jetting and vacuum vehicles. Working closely with the in-house garage, external suppliers and operational teams, they will ensure the fleet remains safe, reliable, compliant and available to meet business requirements.

This position combines hands-on fleet management with the opportunity to shape the company's longer-term fleet strategy, including vehicle purchasing, technology and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all company vehicles, heavy plant and specialist assets comply with DVA requirements and HGV Operator Licence conditions
• Plan and coordinate preventative and reactive vehicle and plant maintenance
• Schedule Planned Maintenance Inspections, PSV tests, MOTs and other statutory checks
• Work closely with the in-house garage to allocate resources and prioritise maintenance requirements
• Manage relationships with external service providers, parts suppliers and other fleet partners
• Monitor supplier performance, costs and value for money
• Coordinate the response to breakdowns and equipment issues to minimise operational downtime
• Maintain accurate records of servicing, inspections, repairs and compliance activity
• Oversee daily vehicle checks and ensure defects are recorded, escalated and resolved promptly
• Monitor driver performance, Driver CPC compliance and driving-licence validity
• Work closely with Operations and Project Management teams to support operational requirements
• Use company systems to monitor fleet performance, costs, compliance and vehicle availability
• Prepare regular reports for senior management and identify areas for improvement
• Support vehicle purchasing decisions and develop the company's longer-term fleet strategy
• Identify opportunities to introduce new technology and improve fleet efficiency
• Promote safe working practices and ensure company health and safety policies are followed
• Support accident and incident investigations by providing relevant technical knowledge

Essential Criteria

• At least two years' experience in a Transport Manager, Fleet Manager or similar position
• Experience managing commercial vehicles, HGVs, plant or specialist operational equipment
• Strong knowledge of fleet maintenance and transport compliance requirements
• Experience scheduling inspections, servicing, PSV tests and MOTs
• Good understanding of Operator Licence obligations and defect-management procedures
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to control costs and improve operational efficiency
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
• Confident working with drivers, technicians, suppliers and operational managers
• Competent using fleet-management systems and Microsoft Office
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Criteria

• CILT Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers - Road Haulage
• Category C/Class 2 HGV driving licence
• Experience managing specialist tanker, jetting or vacuum vehicles
• Previous experience working alongside an in-house garage or maintenance team

Benefits

• Salary of £40,000-£50,000, depending on experience
• Company pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Training and development opportunities
• Funded professional development
• Employee referral scheme