Transport Shift Manager- Nights

Gist Limited; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

M&S discount

25 days' annual leave

Healthcare discount plan

Annual bonus

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Gist is seeking a Transport Shift Manager to lead the Hemel Hempstead night operation, ensuring safe, efficient delivery and high performance. The role reports to the Transport Operations Manager and focuses on coaching drivers, managing performance, and maintaining excellent service levels.

You will drive recruitment, inductions and employee relations while monitoring KPIs and planning resources to meet demand.

Qualifications

• Minimum of previous management experience within a transport operation.
• Strong knowledge of transport operations in FMCG or logistics.
• Experience leading and developing operational teams to high performance.
• Ability to coach, performance manage, and handle difficult conversations.
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills.
• Able to prioritise and stay calm under pressure.
• Analytical mindset with ability to identify improvements.
• Flexibility to support alternative shifts in future.
• Desirable: experience with Trade Unions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the night shift transport operation to ensure safe, efficient delivery.
• Coach, develop and manage a team of drivers with accountability.
• Recruitment, inductions, absence management, and wellbeing conversations.
• Monitor transport KPIs across service, safety, cost and compliance.
• Plan resources to meet changing demand while maintaining customer service.
• Lead daily team briefings and ensure clear communication across the operation.
• Collaborate with Transport, Warehouse and Planning for seamless operations.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost safety and efficiency.
• Ensure transport activities comply with Operator Licence and policies.

Skills

People leadership

Transport operations

Performance management

Communication

Decision making

Analytical mindset

Union experience

Flexibility

Job description

Transport Shift Manager- Nights - (T.S.M.107)

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

We're looking for a Transport Shift Manager to join our Hemel Hempstead Transport team on a permanent night shift.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll take ownership of a busy transport operation, leading a team of drivers and ensuring every shift is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Reporting to the Transport Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for driving operational performance, developing your team and creating a positive culture where people are supported, challenged and held accountable. You'll be confident making decisions, leading from the front and ensuring our operation continues to deliver exceptional service to our customers.

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum plus £6,000 Night Shift Allowance

Hours: 40.25 hours per week

Working Pattern: Nights – 4 on 4 off

Working Hours: 7:00pm – 7:00am

Location: Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7PZ,

What you'll be doing

Your key accountabilities will include:

• Leading the night shift transport operation to ensure safe, efficient and compliant delivery of all transport activities.
• Managing, coaching and developing a team of drivers, creating a culture of accountability, engagement and high performance.
• Taking ownership of recruitment, inductions, absence management, wellbeing conversations, performance reviews and employee relations matters including investigations, disciplinaries and grievances.
• Monitoring operational performance and delivering key transport KPIs across service, safety, compliance and cost.
• Planning resources effectively to meet changing operational demands while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Leading daily team briefings and ensuring clear communication across the transport operation.
• Working closely with colleagues across Transport, Warehouse and Planning to ensure a seamless operation.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, efficiency and operational performance.
• Ensuring all transport activities remain legally compliant and aligned with Operator Licence requirements and company policies.

What we're looking for

You'll be an experienced transport leader who enjoys developing people and delivering results in a fast‑paced logistics environment.

Your skills and experience will include:

• Essential: Previous management experience within a transport operation.
• Essential: Strong knowledge of transport operations within an FMCG, retail or logistics environment.
• Experience leading and developing operational teams to achieve high performance.
• Confidence managing performance, coaching colleagues and handling difficult conversations.
• Strong communication, organisational and decision‑making skills.
• The ability to prioritise effectively and remain calm under pressure in a fast‑moving operation.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to identify opportunities to improve operational performance.
• Flexibility to support alternative shift patterns in the future if required.
• Desirable: Previous experience working with Trade Unions.

What's in it for you?

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

• Up to £45,000 salary plus £6,000 Night Shift Allowance
• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
• Discounted 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 four times salary)
• Ample perks and discounts via our App to major retailers and restaurants
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a wide range of wellbeing support
• A tailored induction and ongoing learning and development opportunities
• 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 transport operation, developing people or driving operational excellence, 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.