Transport Manager

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd; Tonbridge and Malling; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus scheme

28 days' annual leave including Bank/H

Job summary

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Transport Manager for a full-time role in West Kent. The role involves overseeing day-to-day transport operations and driving improvements across routing, carrier management and cost control.

The successful candidate will bring hands-on transport planning experience, strong commercial acumen and excellent stakeholder management skills to support a manufacturing and distribution environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in transport management or logistics operations.
• Strong knowledge of routing, load planning and deliveries.
• Experience negotiating transport rates and managing third-party providers.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and SOP development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day transport operations.
• Plan loads, routes, deliveries and collections.
• Manage external hauliers and 3rd‑party providers.
• Monitor KPIs and identify cost savings.
• Lead process and systems improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance and safe working practices.

Skills

Transport management

Route planning

Cost control

Stakeholder management

Supplier management

Process improvement

Job description

Transport Manager

Location: West Kent

Salary: £48,000 - £55,000 + Company Bonus Scheme

Hours: Monday - Friday, Day Shift

Full-Time | Permanent

An exciting opportunity has become available to join a successful and established manufacturing and distribution business as Transport Manager.

This is a key operational position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day transport function while also playing a major role in improving, streamlining and modernising transport operations.

We’re looking for an experienced Transport Manager who combines strong hands‑on transport knowledge with a commercial and process‑driven mindset. You'll take ownership of everything from route planning and supplier management through to cost control, systems improvement and operational efficiencies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing and coordinating the day-to-day transport operation
• Planning loads, routes, deliveries and collections
• Organising pallet networks, external hauliers and third-party transport providers
• Planning efficient driver routes around customer requirements, vehicle loads and delivery schedules
• Managing relationships and negotiating rates with external transport providers
• Monitoring transport costs and identifying opportunities for savings
• Working closely with Sales, Warehouse and Operations to manage changing customer requirements
• Monitoring KPIs and improving overall transport performance
• Ensuring accurate transport and delivery information is maintained
• Creating and implementing SOPs and improved working practices
• Reviewing existing processes and identifying opportunities for automation
• Leading transport-related process and systems improvement projects
• Introducing more efficient workflows to reduce manual administration
• Reporting on operational performance, efficiencies and cost improvements
• Maintaining high standards of transport compliance and safe working practices

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience within transport management, transport planning or logistics operations
• Strong knowledge of routing, load planning, deliveries and collections
• Experience managing third‑party hauliers and transport providers
• Experience negotiating transport rates and controlling costs
• Strong project management and process improvement skills
• Commercially aware with the ability to identify efficiencies and savings
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
• Confident working across Sales, Warehouse and Operations
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proactive, self‑motivated and comfortable taking ownership
• Calm under pressure and comfortable working within a fast‑paced environment

The Company

You’ll be joining an established and successful UK manufacturing and distribution business with a strong reputation within its specialist market.

The company has a loyal, long‑standing workforce and a friendly, collaborative culture, with a strong focus on customer service, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take genuine ownership of a transport function and have a real influence on how the department develops moving forward.

Package

• £48,000 - £55,000 basic salary
• Company bonus scheme
• 28 days' annual leave including Bank Holidays, plus Christmas closure
• Monday - Friday
• West Kent