Transport Manager

Pertemps; Northampton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Northampton is seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead the shift at a busy Parcel Sort Centre during the Peak period. You will own the transport and despatch operations, guide Transport Planners, Site Managers and frontline teams, and ensure safety, efficiency and on-time delivery.

You must be decisive, able to juggle priorities and resolve issues quickly in a high-volume environment. The role offers senior operational responsibility for a fixed 7-week assignment with

Qualifications

• Experience in transport, logistics, distribution or despatch operations.
• Experience leading multiple teams or functions.
• Strong understanding of transport operations and vehicle utilisation.

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 elevate no-shows.
• Ensure safe, compliant and legal operations across the shift.
• Work closely with internal teams, contractors and senior stakeholders.

Skills

Transport leadership

Operations management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Northampton
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 elevate 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.