Transport Shift Manager

Gist Limited; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount

25 days annual leave + BH

Healthcare cash plan discounts

Annual bonus scheme

Pension with life cover

Job summary

Gist Ltd in Carlisle is seeking an experienced Transport Shift Manager to lead a busy transport operation. You will manage a shift from either 12pm-8pm or 2pm-10pm (Tue–Sat) and report to the Site Operations Manager, creating a positive, safe environment and developing your team for strong performance.

The role requires hands-on transport leadership with a track record in managing people, plus flexibility to adapt shift patterns as the operation grows.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience within a transport function, ideally in FMCG Distribution.
• Previous experience operating at management level; essential for this role.
• Strong people management skills and passion for developing your team.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret performance data and turn into action.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the front, creating a safe, supportive working environment for employees, agency colleagues and subcontractors.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, absence management, wellbeing, 1:1s and employee relations including disciplinaries, grievances and investigations.
• Run effective team meetings, briefings and communication across transport operations.
• Drive performance by owning KPIs and identifying improvements in productivity, efficiency and service delivery.
• Encourage teamwork and innovation; empower the team to share ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Champion health and safety, compliance and standards within transport operations.
• Collaborate with Transport Operations Manager on value-add initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operational excellence

Performance data

Unionised environment

Transport CPC

FMCG distribution

Job description

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

The Opportunity

Ready to lead, inspire and make a real impact within a growing logistics business!

Our Transport team based in Carlisle have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Transport Shift Manager where you will ensure the smooth running of transport operations across your shift.

This role is more than just managing an operation, you will lead and develop your people, driving performance, solving operational challenges and creating a safe, positive and engaging environment where great teams can thrive!

This amazing role will see you working a Tuesday to Saturday shift working either 12pm-8pm or 2pm-10pm however flexibility is required to support our growing operation.

What you'll be doing

Reporting into the Site Operations Manager you will take ownership of transport operations, ensuring as a team we deliver outstanding services, efficiency and performance at all times. Within this role you will:

• Lead from the front, creating a safe, supportive and friendly working environment for employees, agency colleagues and subcontractors.
• Develop great people by owning recruitment, induction, absence management, wellbeing, 1:1s and the full employee relations process including disciplinaries, grievances and investigations.
• Keep everyone connected through the delivery of effective team meetings, briefings, objectives, and communication across the transport operations.
• Drive performance by taking ownership of operational KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement relating to productivity, efficiency and service delivery.
• Champion teamwork and innovation, encouraging your team to share idea, challenge the status quo and help shape better ways of working.
• Advocate, champion and lead health and safety, compliance, and standards within the transport operations.
• Support wider operations by working closely with the Transport Operations Manager on initiatives and tasks that add value to the team and site.

This is an opportunity to make your mark, develop a high performing team and play a key part in the success of a busy transport operation.

What we're looking for

To be successful in your application you will be an experienced transport professional who knows how to lead people and deliver results, what you will bring:

• Proven, hands-on experience within a transport function, ideally within an FMCG Distribution.
• Previous experience operating at management level, this is essential.
• Strong people management skills and a genuine passion for developing and challenging your team.
• An analytical mindset, with the ability to understand performance data and turn it into action.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to build strong relationships across the operation.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shift patterns as the operation evolves.
• Experience working within a unionised environment would be beneficial, but not essential.
• It would be desirable, however not essential, if you hold a Transport CPC.

If you are a confident transport leader who enjoys a fast-paced environment, gets the best from people and is motivated by improving performance, we want to hear from you.

Lead the team. Drive performance. Make a difference.

Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum
Hours:Tuesday to Saturday shift working either 12pm-8pm or 2pm-10pm however flexibility is required to support our growing operation.
Location:Gist Ltd, Riverbank, Brunel Way, Durranhill Industrial Estate, Harraby, Carlisle, CA1 3NQ

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.