Transport Shift Manager - Nights

Gist Limited; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount on most items

20 days’ annual leave + holidays

Healthcare discount

Annual bonus scheme

Pension and life assurance

Wellbeing support and training

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Gist Limited, part of the M&S Group, is seeking a Night Transport Shift Manager in Barnsley. You will lead night operations, ensuring safe, efficient delivery and high standards across the transport function.

You will manage recruitment, wellbeing, 1:1s and employee relations while driving KPIs and collaborating with the Transport Operations Manager on value‑adding initiatives. This role emphasises health and safety and strong team leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in a transport function, ideally FMCG distribution
• Experience at management level is essential
• Strong people management and development skills
• Analytical mindset with ability to turn data into action
• Ability to build strong relationships across the operation

Responsibilities

• Lead transport operations to deliver outstanding service, efficiency and performance
• Own recruitment, induction, absence management, wellbeing, 1:1s and employee relations processes
• Deliver effective team meetings, briefings, objectives and communication across transport operations
• Drive KPIs and identify opportunities for productivity, efficiency and service improvements
• Champion health and safety, compliance and standards within transport operations
• Collaborate with the Transport Operations Manager on value-adding initiatives and tasks

Skills

Transport management

People management

Analytical mindset

Union relations

Team leadership

FMCG experience

Tools

Transport CPC (desirable)

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

Following significant investment and continued growth at our Barnsley operation, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Night Transport Shift Manager to join our transport leadership team.

We're looking for a people-focused transport professional with FMCG experience who can inspire, develop and lead high-performing teams while ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of our night shift operation.

What You'll Be Doing

Reporting into the Transport 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

What We're Looking For

• Proven, hands-on experience within a transport function, ideally within an FMCG Distribution
• Previous experience operating at management level 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 of working within a unionised environment, with the ability to build positive and effective relationships with trade union representatives
• Transport CPC desirable, but not essential

Role Details

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (DOE) + £6,004 Night Shift Premium

Hours: Nights - Any 4 from 7 - 20:00 PM to 06:00 AM

Location: Gist Limited, Industry Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 3LJ

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
• 20 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.