Transportation Manager

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company is seeking a Transport Manager in Northamptonshire to oversee safe and efficient haulage operations. The ideal candidate will ensure legal compliance, manage fleet and operational staff, and champion exceptional customer service. CPC qualification and experience in transport legislation are essential. This full-time role offers a salary of £65,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a multi-customer, multi-drop transport operation.
• Strong knowledge of EU tachograph and WTD regulations.
• Experience with cost control and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational staff and drivers.
• Drive compliance in fleet operations.
• Champion high levels of customer service.

Skills

CPC qualification

Knowledge of transport legislation

Experience with KPI design

People management skills

Strong communication skills

Tools

Transport Management Systems (TMS)

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Transport Manager

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Location: Northamptonshire

Job Type: Full-Time

Role Purpose

Responsible for leading safe, legal, and commercially successful haulage operations. This role manages operational staff and drivers, promoting a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure exceptional customer service. The position holds overall responsibility for fleet management, legal compliance, budget adherence, and supplier management. This role also carries O-Licence responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Haulage, Compliance & Fleet Operations

• Ensure full legal compliance in all areas of transport and fleet operations.

• Manage the reporting and publication of Service, Revenue, and Cost KPIs, aligned with performance targets.

• Drive best practices in Health & Safety, ensuring adherence to SSOWs and fostering a strong safety culture.

• Maintain and develop standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance across operations.

• Oversee management of fleet, fuel usage, subcontractors, and other suppliers, ensuring cost efficiency and service quality.

• Maximise fleet uptime while managing operational costs.

Customer Service

• Champion high levels of service, ensuring customer satisfaction remains at the core of all transport activities.

• Develop strong relationships with clients, internal departments, and external suppliers to continually improve service delivery.

Commercial

• Monitor and manage all operational costs, with a strong focus on fleet-related expenditure.

• Report regularly on revenue, cost performance, and budget variances.

• Identify and implement continuous improvements across key operational areas including vehicle utilisation, fuel efficiency, maintenance, training, and compliance.

People Management

• Lead, develop, and manage a team including planners, supervisors, administrators, and drivers.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for operational and driving staff.

• Implement structured training and development plans, supporting career progression and succession planning.

• Ensure adequate staffing levels and holiday cover to maintain operational continuity.

• Coach and mentor team members to foster high performance and initiative.

• Lead on employee relations matters, including investigations and disciplinary processes, in collaboration with HR.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Service Levels & OCRS Scores

• Haulage P&L Performance

• Fleet Costs vs. Budget

• Staff Retention and Absence Rates

• Resolution of Service Issues within 24 Hours

• Compliance with WTD and Tachograph Rules

Direct Reports

• Transport Operations Supervisor

• Transport Planning Supervisor

• Compliance Manager

• Drivers

• Fleet Administrator

• Garage Staff

• Night Shift Manager

Routine Activities

Daily

• Driver engagement

• Morning briefings and issue resolution

• Liaison with warehouse and planning teams

Weekly

• KPI reviews and performance updates

• Budget monitoring and expenditure approval

• Coordination of training activities

Monthly

• Driver briefings and safety talks

• Review of vehicle performance metrics

• H&S reporting and financial performance reviews

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• CPC qualification (essential)

• Experience managing a multi-customer, multi-drop, groupage transport operation

• Strong knowledge of transport legislation (including EU tachograph, WTD, vehicle weights & dimensions)

• Experience with KPI design, supplier management, and cost control

• Competent with IT systems including Transport Management Systems (TMS)

• Experience managing fleets with a mix of manufacturer R&M agreements and local service providers

Leadership Competencies

• Strong communicator at all levels

• Resilient and solutions-focused

• Excellent people management and team leadership skills

• Capable of working under pressure with a pragmatic, adaptable approach

• High levels of integrity, approachability, and professionalism