Transport Operations Manager

Bidfood UK; Marlborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension with employer contribution

Life cover

Health plan

Employee discounts

Salary advances / paid on demand

Job summary

Bidfood UK is seeking an experienced Transport Operations Manager to lead a large HGV fleet and a multidisciplinary transport team. You will ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective delivery while driving route optimisation and fleet utilisation.

The role requires a Transport Manager CPC qualification, strong leadership, and a track record of improving OTIF, safety and operational efficiency within a fast-paced foodservice environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large transport teams and budgets.
• CPC qualification required for Transport Manager role.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation and licencing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Transport Leadership Team and drivers to deliver safe, compliant and cost-efficient operations.
• Act as the nominated Transport Manager ensuring Operator Licence compliance.
• Oversee route planning, fleet utilisation and maintenance planning.
• Deliver OTIF, safety and budget KPIs and drive continuous improvements.
• Manage transport budgets and departmental costs, analysing trends and risks.
• Collaborate with Warehouse, Sales and Operations to optimise customer outcomes.
• Promote accountability, engagement and development across the team.

Skills

Leadership

Fleet management

Budget management

Compliance

Route optimization

Data analysis

Education

Transport Manager CPC qualification

Tools

Route planning software

Telematics

Performance management tools

Job description

About the Role

As the Transport Operations Manager, you will lead a large-scale transport operation, ensuring the safe, compliant, cost-effective and timely delivery of products to our customers in line with Bidfood's vision of being the UK's best foodservice provider.

Leading a team of transport team managers, planners and drivers, you will have overall responsibility for transport performance, fleet availability, customer service, compliance and financial delivery. You will oversee route planning, resource allocation, fleet utilisation and operational execution, ensuring Bidfood consistently deliver exceptional service whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety and legal compliance.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong commercial awareness, strategic thinking and a passion for continuous improvement. You will play a key role within the site leadership team, driving operational efficiency, developing high-performing teams and delivering sustainable business improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Transport Leadership Team and driver workforce.
• Act as the nominated Transport Manager and ensure ongoing compliance with Operator Licence undertakings.
• Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, Working Time Directive (WTD), Health & Safety requirements and company policies.
• Maintain a safe, compliant and efficient fleet operation through effective vehicle maintenance, defect management and vehicle availability planning.
• Deliver service, productivity, safety and compliance KPIs, including OTIF performance.
• Manage transport budgets, fleet costs and departmental financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on service, efficiency, productivity and cost reduction.
• Maximise fleet utilisation, route optimisation and resource planning.
• Analyse, report and act upon transport performance metrics, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Build strong relationships across Transport, Warehouse, Sales and Operations to deliver exceptional customer outcomes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, wellbeing and professional development.
• Drive the effective use of transport systems and technology, including route planning, telematics and performance management tools, to maximise operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all HR, employment legislation and company policy requirements.

What You'll Bring

• Transport Manager CPC qualified.
• Proven experience managing a large HGV fleet, including maintenance planning, defect management and vehicle compliance.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, Operator Licence requirements and compliance standards.
• Experience managing 80+ drivers and large transport leadership teams.
• Demonstrable experience managing transport budgets, departmental costs and fleet utilisation.
• Proven ability to deliver operational improvements and efficiency savings.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and performance management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
• Experience leading transport operations through peak seasonal demand.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A customer-first mindset with the ability to respond proactively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a transport role. It's an opportunity to lead a critical function within a successful and growing business.

You'll have the autonomy to drive improvements, the support to develop your teams and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on service, efficiency and operational excellence across the site.

Alongside a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, you'll join a business that values its people, invests in development and genuinely promotes from within.

About us

Our journey began back in 1929. Since then, we’ve continued to build a strong and resilient business with a great future. It's why we believe we’re the best foodservice provider in the country.

A journey that gives back

We want your career with us to be as rewarding as possible. So, you’ll get lots in return for your hard work. That includes benefits that can support your wellbeing and financial security, and give you peace of mind.

The essentials

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) as a minimum and the opportunity to buy more
• A pension - contribute 4% and we’ll match you (after year 1, we’ll match your contributions up to 6%).
• Life cover that you can increase.
• Access to confidential support and counselling, when you need it.
• A health plan that gives you money back on everyday medical costs for all the family, as well as access to a digital GP.

The extras

• Exclusive range of high street discounts including cinema, tech, travel, fashion, food and drink.
• Get paid as you earn - access to up to 20% of your pay before payday.
• Opportunity to buy dental cover and critical illness cover.

We want everyone to join our journey

We’re on a journey towards creating the best possible workplace. We’ve got some way to go, but we’re building a diverse and caring workforce. One that’s filled with forward-thinking people who each bring unique talents and skills. So whatever your life experience, we want you to join us - and you really can come as you are!