Transport Operations Manager

DFDS; Kettering; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance cover

Contributory pension scheme

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Free ferry travel

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing platform access

Retail discounts

Health care cashback

Job summary

DFDS is seeking a Transport Operations Manager to lead the Kettering transport operation, manage DFDS-owned vehicles and third‑party partners, and drive efficiency across the UK fleet.

You will monitor performance, plan backloads, and optimise routes while ensuring compliance and safety in all operations. This role requires a National CPC and strong data‑driven decision making.

Qualifications

• A National CPC qualification is essential.
• Experience in domestic transport planning and backloads is preferred.
• Knowledge of Humberside, Midlands or Felixstowe transport markets desirable.
• Strong data analysis to improve performance and control costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the daily transport operation at Kettering, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery of services.
• Manage DFDS-owned vehicles and third-party hauliers, monitoring performance, costs, service levels and compliance.
• Work closely with the Palletline network and operational partners to maintain service standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with the Killingholme Transport team to plan backloads and maximise fleet utilisation across the UK.
• Monitor KPIs, costs and profitability, using data to drive improvements and support growth.

Skills

Transport operations management

Fleet planning

Subcontractor management

Palletline networks

Data-driven improvement

Education

National CPC qualification

Tools

Palletline network systems

Job description

Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as Transport Operations Manager.

Be part of the movement - and play your part.

About The Role

As Transport Operations Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance and development of our Kettering transport operation. You’ll lead the Palletline operation, DFDS-owned fleet and third-party transport partners, ensuring we deliver a safe, compliant, efficient and customer-focused service.

Working closely with the Killingholme Transport team, you’ll also play a key role in maximising fleet utilisation across the UK. From identifying backload opportunities and reducing empty running to improving route planning and operational efficiency, you’ll be responsible for finding practical solutions that improve both service and commercial performance.

• Lead and oversee the daily transport operation at Kettering, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery of services.
• Managing DFDS-owned vehicles and third-party hauliers, monitoring performance, costs, service levels and compliance.
• Working closely with the Palletline network and operational partners to maintain service standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborating with the Killingholme Transport team to plan backloads, reduce empty mileage and maximise vehicle utilisation across the UK.
• Monitoring operational KPIs, costs and profitability, using performance data to identify improvements and support the continued growth of the transport operation.

About You

You’ll be an experienced transport professional with a strong background in transport operations management, fleet planning and utilisation. You’ll have a good understanding of UK transport legislation and compliance, alongside experience managing subcontractors, third-party transport providers and, ideally, pallet network operations such as Palletline. Commercially aware and confident working with operational data, you’ll be able to identify opportunities to improve performance, control costs and maximise fleet efficiency.

A National CPC qualification is essential, with experience of domestic transport planning, backloads and knowledge of the Humberside, Midlands or Felixstowe transport markets being desirable.

We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join.

Working at DFDS

Join the movement and grow with us.

Now about what we can give you. You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as:

• Life assurance cover
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests between Dover and Calais / Newcastle and Amsterdam with no limit on trips
• Full employee assistance programme including:
• Proactive financial, emotional, mental, and physical health care support including face to face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their family.
• Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers
• Cashback on health care including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, specialist consultations and much more.
• Access to myStrength, our Wellbeing platform, which has plenty of content to support and improve your mental wellness needs.
• Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing.

While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed.

We look forward to hearing from you.

This recruitment process is managed by the DFDS Talent Acquisition team. We kindly ask external recruitment agencies to refrain from contacting us regarding this opportunity.