Transport Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Funded professional development

Job summary

Ashton Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Transport Manager for its Newry operation to oversee a fleet of ~80 vehicles and specialist equipment. The role blends hands-on fleet management with shaping long-term strategy, including vehicle purchasing and technology implementation.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years in a Transport/Fleet Manager role, strong regulatory knowledge, and a UK driving licence. A competitive salary and pension are on offer.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience in a Transport Manager or Fleet Manager role.
• Experience managing commercial vehicles and specialist equipment.
• Strong knowledge of fleet maintenance and transport compliance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with DVA requirements and HGV Licence conditions.
• Plan and coordinate preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Schedule inspections, PSV tests, MOTs and other checks.
• Manage relationships with service providers and suppliers.
• Monitor costs and drive efficiency.
• Oversee daily vehicle checks and defect resolution.
• Support vehicle purchasing decisions and fleet strategy.

Skills

Fleet management

Regulatory compliance

Budget control

Team leadership

Driver CPC compliance

MOTs scheduling

UK driving licence

Education

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

Tools

Fleet management software

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

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

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