Transport Team Manager

W Talent; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

W Talent is seeking an experienced Transport Shift Manager to lead the night-time operations and ensure safe, efficient delivery of KPIs. You will work closely with drivers, planning, fleet and support functions to keep the operation compliant and running smoothly.

This hands-on leadership role requires someone who can manage people, vehicles and resources calmly, respond to changing priorities, and drive continuous improvement within a busy depot environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Transport Manager in day-to-day operations to deliver KPIs and service standards.
• Plan driver and vehicle resources safely and cost-effectively.
• Oversee dispatch and driver debrief processes with consistent standards.
• Lead and manage the driver workforce in compliance with safety requirements.
• Monitor driver performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Promote safety-focused culture and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate employee records and training documentation.
• Conduct operational audits and follow up on actions.
• Resolve urgent queries to minimise disruption.
• Build relationships with customers and site management.
• Assist recruitment and onboarding of drivers.
• Ensure incident reporting and investigation procedures.
• Monitor maintenance requirements for vehicles, depot, and equipment.
• Oversee compliance checks, inspections, servicing and testing.
• Support performance reviews and formal processes.
• Collaborate with Fleet, HR, Planning, Finance and Workforce Management.

Skills

Leadership

People Management

Planning

Health & Safety

Driver Management

Operations Oversight

Job description

Night Transport Shift Manager

W Talent is currently recruiting for an experienced and highly organised Transport Shift Manager to join a busy and fast-paced transport operation.

Reporting directly to the Transport Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the operation throughout the night shift. Working closely with drivers, planning, fleet and wider support functions, you will help deliver operational KPIs, maintain high service standards and ensure all activity is carried out safely, efficiently and in line with legal and company requirements.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who is confident managing people, vehicles and resources, while remaining calm and solution-focused when dealing with changing priorities and unexpected operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Transport Manager in the day-to-day management of the transport operation, helping to deliver agreed KPIs and service standards.
• Plan and coordinate driver and vehicle resources to ensure they are utilised safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Oversee the dispatch and driver debrief processes, ensuring clear communication and consistent operational standards are maintained.
• Lead, support and manage the driver workforce, ensuring all activity is carried out in accordance with legal, company and health & safety requirements.
• Monitor driver performance, addressing issues and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Promote a positive culture focused on safety, compliance, performance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure employee records remain accurate and up to date, including licences, training and other relevant documentation.
• Carry out and support operational audits, following up on actions and identifying opportunities to improve performance.
• Act as a key point of contact for urgent operational queries, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and disruption is minimised.
• Build strong working relationships with customers and site management, responding effectively to concerns and operational requirements.
• Support the recruitment, selection and onboarding of permanent and temporary drivers to meet changing business needs.
• Ensure accidents, near misses and other incidents are reported, investigated and documented appropriately.
• Monitor and escalate any vehicle, equipment, depot or site maintenance requirements.
• Oversee vehicle and trailer compliance, including daily checks, defect reporting, inspections, servicing and statutory testing.
• Support performance reviews, investigations and formal employee processes where required.
• Work alongside the Transport Manager on operational initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist with overtime administration, driver expenses and the resolution of pay-related queries.
• Support general depot administration and ensure operational records and reports are maintained accurately.
• Identify driver training requirements and ensure relevant induction, refresher and role-specific training is completed.
• Take ownership of unforeseen operational issues, implementing practical solutions and ensuring lessons learned are incorporated into future planning.
• Work collaboratively with key support functions including Fleet, HR, Planning, Finance and Workforce Management.

Benefits

• Contract: Full-time, permanent
• Working pattern: 4 on / 4 off nights, 18:00-06:00
• Salary: £38,000 per annum