Transport Shift Manager

Avara Foods Ltd; Hereford; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% Pension

31 days holiday

Life Assurance

Private Medical Health Cover

Free Parking

Lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Avara Foods Ltd. is seeking a Transport Shift Manager to lead our Hereford transport operation and deliver safe, efficient service.

You will oversee the shift, drive continuous improvement, manage driver records, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and food industry standards. The role requires strong leadership and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a transport or production environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Minimum 2 years in a production supervisory role.
• Proactive, detail-oriented with safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the transport shift, including Tachomaster and Telematics.
• Complete driver debriefs and ensure compliance documentation.
• Monitor vehicle and trailer servicing and maintenance plans.
• Review tachograph data and address infringements.
• Ensure transport operations meet safety and legal requirements.
• Investigate accidents and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate driver training schedules and shifts.
• Manage live bird transport to sites and supply continuity.
• Support Chargehands in performance management.
• Monitor bird welfare with factory and veterinary teams.
• Drive continuous improvement for safety and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Decision making under pressure

Health & Safety knowledge

Data tracking

Team leadership

Adaptability

Job description

About the Role

Are you a motivated and experienced Transport professional looking for your next challenge? Join us as a Transport Shift Manager and play a key role in leading our Transport operation at Hereford.

Purpose of the Role

As a Transport Shift Manager, you will contribute to defining and delivering operational strategies within the Hereford Transport function. Acting as the subject matter expert for your area, you will ensure legislative compliance while using data, operational insight, and strong leadership skills to drive continuous improvement. Working closely with the Chargehand and wider management team, you will support the day-to-day leadership of the operation, helping to deliver a safe, efficient, and high-performing transport service.

Working Hours

Monday - Friday05.00-13.30 / Sunday - Thursday13.00-21.30

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and effectively manage the transport shift, including Transport systems such as Tachomaster and Telematics.
• Conduct driver debriefs and ensure all driver records and compliance documentation are completed accurately.
• Monitor vehicle and trailer servicing schedules, ensuring maintenance plans are adhered to.
• Review tachograph downloads, identify infringements, and take appropriate action.
• Ensure all transport operations are carried out safely and in line with legal requirements.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and vehicle damage, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Coordinate and maintain training schedules for drivers and team members.
• Participate in shift and on-call rotas as required.
• Manage the transportation and delivery of live birds to Avara sites, ensuring continuity of supply and operational efficiency.
• Support Chargehands in managing driver and catching team performance.
• Monitor bird welfare standards in partnership with factory and veterinary teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, compliance and operational performance.

What you’ll need to be successful

Essential

• Experience in leading teams within a transport environment or similar
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• At least 2 years' experience in a production supervisory role
• Ability to work under pressure and make effective decisions
• A solid understanding of health & safety and food hygiene standards
• Proficiency with computer systems and production data tracking
• The ability to lead, motivate, and support teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• A commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility to work shifts and adapt to business needs

Desirable

• IOSH Managing Safely and/or Food Safety Management Level 3.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and lean principles.
• Leadership & Management qualifications such as ILM.
• Bird Welfare training.
• LGV Class 1 Licence (training can be provided).
• CPC qualification in National Road Haulage.

The benefits of working for Avara Foods

As a Transport Shift Manager, you will enjoy a secure, supportive, and progressive working environment, where your contribution and achievements will be recognised and rewarded. We offer comprehensive training as well as continuous development as you build your long-term career with us. You can also look forward to benefits that amongst other things include the following:

• 5% Pension
• 31 days holiday
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Health Cover
• Free Parking
• Various lifestyle benefits, including wellbeing resources.

Due to Bird Welfare, it is essential that you do not own any Avian Pets, Poultry or Porcine.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.