UK Transport Desk Manager

Inclusion IQ LTD; Lisburn; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company based in Lisburn is seeking a UK Transport Desk Manager to oversee their transportation operations. This full-time role is crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and compliant planning of all UK transport. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive experience in food distribution, and knowledge of transport legislation. The company offers a permanent position with competitive benefits including additional annual leave, a pension scheme, and onsite parking.

Benefits

Additional Annual Leave

Matched pension contribution

Life insurance

Certified Training Courses

Employee Discounts

Free Onsite Parking

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Transport Planner with responsibility for GB operations.
• Ideally hold CPC qualification.
• Direct experience in multi-temperature or chilled/frozen food distribution.
• Experience managing a large team of HGV drivers.
• Exceptional geographical knowledge of GB.
• In-depth knowledge of UK and EU Transport legislation.
• Strong team leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with drivers and clients.
• Proficiency with transport management systems and route optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily route planning and scheduling for HGV drivers.
• Utilise TMS for cost-effective and efficient route planning.
• Handle real-time operational disruptions swiftly.
• Coordinate vehicle movements between depots and sites.
• Optimal allocation of HGV fleet and driver resources.
• Act as command point during unforeseen events.

Skills

Senior Transport Planner experience

CPC qualification

Multi-temperature distribution experience

Team management

Geographical Knowledge of GB

UK and EU Transport Legislation knowledge

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Advanced IT skills

Tools

Transport Management Systems (TMS)

Route optimisation software

Job description

UK Transport Desk Manager

Inclusion IQ is thrilled to partner with our multi-award-winning client, a market leader currently expanding its service offerings to international partners. We are seeking to appoint a competent UK Transport Desk Manager to join their dynamic team, based at their Northern Ireland Headquarters in Lisburn.

This is an opportunity to join a financially robust organisation that has been operational for over 50 years and is forecast to experience massive international growth over the next three years, creating exceptional progression opportunities for the successful applicant.

The Role

The UK Transport Desk Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the efficient, safe, and compliant planning and execution of all UK transport operations. The primary focus is on the time‑critical, multi‑temperature (fresh, frozen, and ambient) distribution of food products via our client's dedicated HGV fleet. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the cold chain, achieving essential on‑time delivery targets, and maximising fleet and driver utilisation while ensuring strict adherence to all Transport and Food Safety legislation.

• Manage and oversee daily route planning and scheduling for all HGV drivers and vehicles across the UK network, ensuring timely delivery windows are consistently met, especially for fresh and frozen products.
• Utilise Transport Management Systems (TMS) and planning software to devise the most cost‑effective and efficient routes, considering legal compliance (driver hours, WTD), vehicle capacity (weight and temperature zones), and strict customer delivery requirements.
• Proactively handle and respond to real‑time operational disruptions, including traffic delays, vehicle breakdowns, and driver issues, by adjusting routes and schedules swiftly and decisively to minimise disruption to the time‑sensitive supply chain.
• Coordinate vehicle movements and resource allocation between depots, suppliers, and customer sites for both inbound collections and outbound deliveries.
• Ensure optimal allocation of the HGV fleet and driver labour force to meet demand fluctuations without incurring excessive overtime or vehicle leasing costs.
• Act as the central point of command during unforeseen events, making commercially sound decisions under pressure to sustain high service standards.

The Person

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate the following skills & experiences:

• Experience as a Senior Transport Planner with direct responsibility for GB operations.
• Ideally, applicants will hold CPC qualification.
• Direct experience in a multi‑temperature or chilled/frozen food distribution environment.
• Experience managing a large team of HGV drivers
• Exceptional Geographical Knowledge of GB
• In‑depth knowledge of UK and EU Transport Legislation, including CPC requirements, driver hours, and the movement of goods.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of liaising effectively with UK‑based drivers, clients, and depot staff.
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency with transport management systems (TMS) and route optimisation software.

Why this role?

• Full‑Time Permanent Role.
• Additional Annual Leave for each year of service.
• Matched employee/employer pension contribution
• Life & death in service insurance
• Certified Training Courses
• Additional Company Benefits.
• Free Onsite Parking.
• Employee Discounts.