Transport Operations Manager

Biffa; St Helens; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Biffa is seeking a Transport Operations Manager to oversee all depots across Northern England. This leadership role involves ensuring compliance with transport regulations, managing staff recruitment and performance, and optimizing fleet operations for efficiency. Join Biffa in changing the way people think about waste, while receiving competitive compensation and benefits in a diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in staff management and HR processes.
• Strong knowledge of O Licence undertakings and driver regulations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with driver hours and fleet-related obligations.
• Manage recruitment, training, and performance of drivers.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives across transport operations.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance Management

Operational Efficiency

Education

National Transport Manager CPC

Class C licence

Driver CPC Card

Job description

A quick look at the role

Keenan Recycling Ltd part of the Biffa Group

As Transport Operations Manager, you will oversee all depots throughout the North of England, including Newcastle, Cumbria, Leeds, and Dewsbury. You will support the Drivers, Lead Drivers, and Depot Supervisors by providing ongoing training and support, helping them ensure that their depots are safe, compliant, and successful. You will work closely with the Transport Director and other Transport Operations Managers to effectively manage the collections operation, fleet, and drivers, ensuring compliance with our O Licence undertakings.

Your Core Responsibilities

1. Ensure full compliance with Driver Hours, Working Time Directives, ‘O' Licence undertakings, and all fleet-related legal obligations.
2. Oversee driver recruitment, training, retention, and performance management to build and maintain a reliable and compliant workforce.
3. Manage vehicle maintenance schedules, ensuring timely MOTs, repairs, and road tax compliance for optimal fleet performance.
4. Support route planning and scheduling with the Collections Team to optimise delivery efficiency and meet service commitments.
5. Collaborate with Depot Supervisors to achieve operational KPIs, including service quality, fuel efficiency, and cost control.
6. Drive cost-saving and efficiency initiatives, identifying areas for improvement across transport and depot operations.
7. Conduct monthly depot and supervisor checks, ensuring paperwork completion and active participation in management meetings.
8. Coordinate financial and admin processes, including driver timesheets, PO approvals, and liaising with finance and senior management for system improvements.

Requirements

Our essential requirements

• Fully qualified with National Transport Manager CPC, Class C licence, and Driver CPC Card, with strong knowledge of O Licence undertakings, driver hours, and tachograph regulations.
• Experienced leader with a proven track record in staff management, HR processes (appraisals, disciplinary, grievance), and Health & Safety responsibilities.
• Logistics and operations expertise, including route planning, compliance, and working effectively under pressure in fast-paced environments.

Benefits

Biffa - we're changing the way people think about waste

At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we're turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it, or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It's a view that's shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a rewarding career—challenging but never dull.

We champion diversity and equality, believing that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds are key to a creative and effective working environment.