Transport Manager

Pure Staff Ltd; West Malling; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and compliance firm in West Malling is seeking a Transport Manager to manage fleet operations and compliance under UK regulations. This role requires a strong background in transport management, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to oversee strategic developments. Ideal candidates will be proactive, hands-on leaders with experience in FMCG or food distribution.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience managing a transport operation, ideally in FMCG, food distribution, or fresh produce.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic projects.
• Strong working knowledge of UK road transport legislation, DVSA regulations, and Operator's Licence requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all transport operations comply with UK legislation.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor transport routes for maximum efficiency.
• Manage driver recruitment and performance reviews.

Skills

Transport operations management

Compliance with UK legislation

Organizational skills

Strong IT skills

Leadership skills

Education

Transport Manager CPC

Tools

Transport management systems

Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Fleet Management & Compliance
  • Ensure all transport operations comply with UK legislation, DVSA requirements, Operator's Licence conditions, and EU road transport regulations.
  • Oversee vehicle maintenance schedules, inspections, MOTs, and defect reporting systems.
  • Maintain up-to-date records for drivers' hours, tachographs, and Working Time Directive compliance.
• Operational Management
  • Plan, allocate, and monitor transport routes for maximum efficiency and service reliability.
  • Liaise with warehouse, commercial, and operations teams to ensure timely fruit deliveries to retail and wholesale customers.
  • Manage driver recruitment, training, and ongoing performance reviews.
• Strategic Development
  • Lead the planned expansion of the in-house HGV fleet over the next two years, including procurement, budgeting, and resourcing.
  • Drive continuous improvement in cost-control, vehicle utilisation, and service performance.
• Storage & Logistics
  • Manage relationships with external pallet storage providers, ensuring efficient use of offsite capacity.
  • Oversee stock movements to and from external storage, maintaining accuracy and cost visibility.
• Customs & Documentation
  • Act as the main operational contact for the company's customs clearance agent, ensuring timely submission of import/export documentation.
  • Support customs compliance related to international fruit shipments (e.g. border checks, health certs, CHIEF/CDS system).

Qualifications & Experience (Essential)

• Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) - Road Haulage.
• Demonstrable experience managing a transport operation, ideally in FMCG, food distribution, or fresh produce.
• Strong working knowledge of UK road transport legislation, DVSA regulations, and Operator's Licence requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic projects.
• Strong IT skills (transport management systems, Excel, reporting tools).

Desirable

• HGV Category C+E licence - hands-on driving experience is advantageous.
• Experience of working with customs clearance agents and knowledge of CDS/CHIEF systems.
• Understanding of cold-chain distribution and perishable goods handling.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, hands-on manager who leads by example.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost control and service quality.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to work across teams and manage third-party providers.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with seasonal demand peak.

(INDPERM)