Transport Operations Manager

Right Now Recruitment; Colnbrook; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Right Now Group is seeking an experienced Transport Operations Manager to lead a busy 24/7 transport and logistics operation, delivering ad-hoc transport requests, A-to-B collections and deliveries, and live planning. You will be responsible for allocating vehicles, coordinating drivers and maintaining smooth day-to-day operations.

The role requires a hands-on leader who can adapt quickly, manage a busy team, and maintain high service levels while ensuring teams stay structured and focused under

Qualifications

• Experience in busy transport/haulage/logistics operations.
• Proven ability to manage an operational transport team.
• Strong knowledge of transport planning, scheduling and vehicle allocation.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Take day-to-day responsibility for a busy transport operations department.
• Lead, motivate and support the operational team.
• Oversee high volumes of ad-hoc transport requests and A-to-B collections/deliveries.
• Manage live planning and scheduling of allocated vehicles and drivers.
• Ensure vehicles and drivers are allocated effectively to customer requirements.
• React to last-minute bookings, delays, and disruptions; reprioritise workloads as needed.
• Collaborate with Resource Planning, Fleet/Workshop and Customer Service teams.
• Identify and address operational issues; escalate when necessary.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Organisation

Decision making

Communication

Prioritisation

Job description

Right Now Group are currently recruiting for an experienced Transport Operations Manager to join a well-established 24/7 transport and logistics business operating within the freight and logistics sector.

This is a key operational leadership position, taking responsibility for a busy department handling ad-hoc transport requirements, A-to-B collections and deliveries, vehicle allocation, live planning and scheduling.

The successful Transport Operations Manager will need to be an exceptional organiser and a genuine people person. This is a fast-moving operation where priorities can change quickly, so we're looking for somebody who can spin multiple plates, make confident decisions and keep both the team and operation moving when things don't go to plan.

This is an operational management position rather than an O-Licence or Transport Compliance Manager role. The focus is firmly on managing people, vehicles, workload and the successful delivery of the day-to-day transport operation.

Responsibilities of the Transport Operations Manager:

• Take overall day-to-day responsibility for a busy transport operations department
• Lead, manage, motivate and support the operational team
• Oversee a high volume of ad-hoc transport requests and A-to-B collections and deliveries
• Manage the live planning and scheduling of the department's allocated vehicles
• Ensure available vehicles and drivers are allocated effectively against customer requirements
• Continually monitor the live operation and reprioritise workloads as circumstances change
• React quickly to last-minute bookings, cancellations, delays, breakdowns and changing customer requirements
• Work closely with the Resource Planning team, who manage planned driver resource and agency requirements
• Respond to unexpected driver shortages, sickness or last-minute dropouts
• Where necessary, urgently liaise with driver agencies to secure short-notice emergency cover and minimise disruption to the operation
• Ensure collections and deliveries are planned efficiently and completed within agreed timescales
• Maximise the utilisation of vehicles allocated to the department
• Identify potential operational problems early and put solutions in place
• Take ownership of operational issues and escalations, making confident decisions under pressure
• Maintain clear communication between operational staff, drivers and other departments
• Work closely with Customer Service and Pricing regarding changing customer requirements and operational issues
• Liaise with the Fleet/Workshop team regarding vehicle availability, breakdowns and maintenance requirements
• Work collaboratively with other operational departments across the wider business
• Build a positive, organised and accountable culture within the department
• Coach and develop team members, ensuring individuals understand their responsibilities and expectations
• Identify opportunities to improve planning, communication, efficiency and overall service levels
• Remain hands-on and visible within the operation, particularly during busy or challenging periods

The successful Transport Operations Manager will ideally have:

• Previous experience within a busy transport, haulage, freight or logistics operation
• Previous experience managing or supervising an operational transport team
• Strong knowledge of transport planning, scheduling and vehicle allocation
• Experience managing a live, reactive transport operation
• Strong people-management and leadership skills
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• The ability to remain calm and make sensible decisions when the operation changes unexpectedly
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to operational problems
• Strong communication skills when dealing with operational teams, drivers, customers and other departments
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of vehicle utilisation and operational efficiency
• Confidence taking ownership and accountability for departmental performance
• The ability to work collaboratively with other departments while maintaining ownership of their own operation
• Previous experience within freight forwarding, air cargo, airport transport, time-critical logistics or a 24/7 transport environment would be highly advantageous

Applications could also be considered from an experienced Transport Planning Manager, Senior Transport Planner, Transport Supervisor, Fleet Operations Manager or similar

The Transport Operations Manager will be joining:

A large and established 24/7 transport and logistics operation supporting some of the biggest businesses within the freight and logistics industry.

The Transport Operations Manager will specifically take ownership of the department responsible for the wider ad-hoc transport operation, managing its allocated vehicles and ensuring day-to-day collection and delivery requirements are successfully planned and executed.

The business also operates as a CAA Regulated Agent, making this an excellent opportunity for somebody with experience around Heathrow, air cargo or freight transport, although direct airfreight experience is not essential.

Hours for the Transport Operations Manager:

Monday - Friday
09:00 - 17:30

Salary for the Transport Operations Manager:

£50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience

We're looking for somebody who can bring structure and leadership to a constantly moving operation, manage multiple priorities at once and, most importantly, take ownership and find solutions when the original plan changes.