Transport Strategy Lead — Network Optimisation & Fleet Design

Culina Group; Stretford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus

Private Medical Cover

Car Allowance

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Eye Care Vouchers

Reward & Recognition

Everyday Discounts

Job summary

Culina Group is seeking a Transport Strategy Lead to shape the future of transport across its Contract Logistics network. You will turn complex data into practical strategies that improve network efficiency, customer service and commercial outcomes.

Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll guide transport strategy, network design and fleet optimisation while influencing senior leaders without direct authority.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in transport, logistics or supply chain within a complex, multi-site environment.
• Proven track record delivering transport strategy, network optimisation and large-scale transformation.
• Advanced capability in transport modelling, data analytics and cost-to-serve analysis.
• Strong commercial awareness with fleet economics, subcontracting, pricing, margin drivers and risk.
• Ability to influence executive-level decisions and build alignment across teams without direct authority.
• Experience developing and implementing standardised planning and operational frameworks across dispersed sites.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders and strategic customers, balancing service requirements with commercial objectives.
• Autonomy, resilience and professional judgement to lead cross-functional change and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the transport strategy and annual Transport Optimisation Plan, prioritising initiatives that deliver measurable PBT and EBIT improvements.
• Lead network design and fleet strategy, covering fleet sizing, capacity modelling, peak planning and asset deployment.
• Improve fleet utilisation, reduce empty miles and reliance on subcontracted transport, and strengthen service performance and core fleet profitability.
• Develop advanced transport modelling and scenario planning to support investment decisions, strategic change and sustainable network improvements.
• Produce robust cost-to-serve analysis, commercial models and business cases using operational data and tools such as TMS, TCT and Power BI.
• Provide a consistent source of transport insight, embedding standardised planning and analytical frameworks and reducing duplication across the business.
• Support tenders, customer solutions and contract renewals through network design, modelling and commercial insight.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and strategic customers to develop scalable, profitable transport solutions that enhance customer value.
• Track optimisation benefits and sustainability improvements, including carbon performance and miles per pallet, and communicate clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Transport strategy

Network optimisation

Data analytics

Cost-to-serve analysis

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional leadership

Transport modelling

Fleet economics

Commercial awareness

Executive-level influencing

Tools

TMS

TCT

Power BI

Job description

Culina Group is seeking a Transport Strategy Lead to shape the future of transport across its Contract Logistics network. You will turn complex data into practical strategies that improve network efficiency, customer service and commercial outcomes.

Reporting to the Business Director, you’ll guide transport strategy, network design and fleet optimisation while influencing senior leaders without direct authority.