Transport Manager

LWC Drinks; Northampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

LWC Drinks is seeking a Transport Manager at our Northampton depot to coordinate transportation and deliveries. You will lead the transport team, manage fleet, ensure compliance with regulations and uphold safety standards.

Key responsibilities include route planning, staff development, and cost control to optimise operations and meet customer expectations in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in transport, logistics or distribution operations.
• Experience in a compliance-driven environment.
• Strong people management skills with team leadership experience.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities with a track record of delivering results.
• Clear and confident communication across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee depot fleet maintenance, compliance, health & safety and policy adherence.
• Plan routes and schedules to ensure on‑time deliveries and customer satisfaction.
• Lead recruitment, induction, training and development of fleet staff; manage attendance and performance.
• Control costs including overtime, fuel and vehicle maintenance invoices; identify efficiency gains.
• Ensure drivers meet hours regulations and maintain accurate tachograph records.

Skills

People management

Fleet management

Route planning

Health & safety

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Transport Manager CPC qualification (desirable)

Tools

Fleet management systems

MS Office

Transport planning software

Tachograph software

Job description

Job Title: Transport Manager

Reports to: Operations Manager

Depot: Northampton

Overview

The Transport Manager will be responsible for coordinating the transportation and delivery of goods. You will be involved in the day-to-day management of the transport team along with the general fleet and vehicle management. You will be responsible for the line management of the transportation staff within the distribution team and ensuring that all delivery requirements for the depot are successfully met, and assisting with the wider operation as required.

Main Duties

Fleet & Compliance

• Manage the depots fleet, ensuring full compliance with all legislation.
• Oversee vehicle compliance, health & safety, and adherence to company policies.
• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, arranging servicing, repairs, and routine inspections.
• Monitor tachograph records and maintain accurate documentation on vehicle service and repairs.
• Conduct compliance audits, including monthly self-audits and preparation for six-monthly head office audits, maintaining a green compliance score.
• Investigate and report vehicle or driver incidents in line with company and legal requirements.

Drivers & Operations

• Ensure drivers comply with drivers' hours and working time regulations and manage any non-compliance.
• Oversee driver training and competence to operate vehicles and equipment safely.
• Enforce health & safety policies and promote best practice across the team.
• Oversee route planning and scheduling to ensure efficient, on-time deliveries that meet customer expectations.
• Assisting the Depot Manager, Operations Manager, and Warehouse Manager with anything else required

People Management

• Lead the recruitment, induction, training, and development of fleet staff.
• Manage staffing levels to cover absences and peak workloads.
• Delegate tasks effectively, monitoring staff workload, output, and performance.
• Oversee staff development, training, and disciplinary processes.
• Administer holiday requests and monitor absence records.

Finance & Continuous Improvement

• Control costs by managing overtime, fuel expenditure, and vehicle maintenance invoices.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance safety standards.

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience in managing transport, logistics, or distribution operations within a compliance-driven environment.
• Strong people management skills, with experience in leading, developing, and motivating teams.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities, with a track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Strong IT skills, with experience using fleet management systems, transport planning software, and MS Office.
• Sound knowledge of health & safety, drivers' hours, and working time regulations.
• Experience in cost control, including managing fuel, maintenance, and overtime budgets.
• Transport Managers CPC qualification (desirable)

About LWC

As the UK's largest independent drinks wholesaler, for over 40 years LWC has provided its customers with the best in product, service and knowledge. From beers to wines, soft drinks to spirits, LWC partners with the best to deliver the best.

Delivering to over 15,000 customers from our 18 depots, seven days a week, our aim has always been to provide the best service in the industry, and that is something we are all proud of. With a portfolio of our own award-winning brands and wines, LWC placed 2nd in Harpers Wine & Spirit magazine's 2024 'Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers List' and was awarded 'Value Merchant of the Year' at the 2024 Sommelier Wine Awards.