Transport Operations Manager

SRG Recruitment Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct access to business owners

Senior operational role

Competitive day rate / retainer

Job summary

SRG Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an experienced Head of Transport Operations for a family-owned logistics and 3PL specialist near Southampton.

The role is hands-on and commercially focused, owning daily traffic execution, fleet yield, and a proactive transport culture. The ideal candidate will hold an International or National Transport Manager CPC, with extensive TMS and telematics experience, and a track record in container logistics and port movements.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid International or National Transport Manager CPC (Road Haulage).
• Experience with modern Transport Management Systems (TMS) and telematics.
• Experience managing articulated fleets across container logistics and port movements.
• Strong commercial awareness of route profitability and 24-hour shift planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee dispatch execution and maximise fleet efficiency.
• Lead, coach and support the transport office and foster accountability.
• Ensure compliance with Operator Licence requirements and safety standards.
• Service key accounts with proactive communication and KPI delivery.
• Collaborate with planning, workshop and subcontractors to optimise operations.

Skills

Transport management CPC

TMS experience

Telematics data analysis

Fleet management

Route profitability understanding

Tools

TMS software

Digital routing software

Job description

SRG Recruitment are recruiting for a family-owned logistics, container haulage, and 3PL specialist known for high standards of customer care, 24/7 responsiveness, and absolute reliability. As the company continues to grow, they seek an experienced Head of Transport Operations to ensure their operational performance consistently aligns with their strong commercial reputation.

This role is a hands-on, commercially focused leadership position suited to a seasoned transport professional who can take ownership of daily traffic execution, maximise fleet yield, and foster a proactive, accountable culture across the transport desk.

Key Responsibilities

• Fleet Utilisation & Revenue Yield: Maximise earnings per vehicle across every 24-hour operational window, with a strong emphasis on backload capture and the optimal mix of port container drayage (Southampton, London Gateway, and Felixstowe) alongside general haulage.
• Operational Accountability: Take ownership of dispatch execution, collaborate closely with the planning team to reduce avoidable errors, missed delivery windows, and costly port or demurrage charges.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and support the existing transport office, cultivating a culture of open communication, fast problem-solving, and shared ownership rather than reactive or defensive behaviours.
• Customer Service: Serve as the operational champion for key accounts, ensuring high-value customers receive exceptional, accurate execution and proactive communication.
• Compliance & Systems: Coordinate effectively across dispatch, workshop/maintenance teams, and external subcontractors, utilising digital planning tools efficiently while maintaining strict compliance with Operator Licence requirements.

About the role

Monday to Friday hours

Based near Southampton.

Candidate Requirements

• Holds a valid International or National Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Road Haulage.
• Extensive hands-on experience with modern Transport Management Systems (TMS), telematics, and digital routing/dispatch software, with the ability to analyse data to improve fleet efficiency and KPI performance.
• Strong experience managing articulated vehicle fleets across container logistics and port-connected movements, as well as general haulage operations.
• Commercially aware with a deep understanding of route profitability, return-load economics, and dynamic 24-hour shift planning.
• Exhibits a collaborative and grounded leadership style appropriate for a family-owned business, leading with respect, clear standards, and practical support rather than heavy-handed bureaucracy.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure, managing live operational issues, customer changes, and port traffic while maintaining flawless execution.
• Established self-employed transport contractor/consultant status with the capability to integrate effectively within regional site operations.

Benefits of Joining

• Direct access to business owners with streamlined communication.
• A fast-paced, supportive, and commercially focused work environment.
• A genuine opportunity to influence transport performance, fleet utilisation, and team culture.
• A senior operational role within a well-established, family-owned logistics business.

Engagement & Reward

• Engagement through an Independent Services Contract or Self-employed Consultancy Agreement.
• Competitive day rate or retainer reflecting senior operational expertise and delivery against agreed key performance indicators.

If an experienced transport leader who combines operational discipline, commercial insight, and a hands-on approach, this opportunity invites them to make a significant impact by joining the team