Job Title: Transport Manager
Department: Logistics and Supply Chain/Dispatch
Reporting To: Head of Operations
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000
Location: Newtownabbey
About Us
RTU are leaders in concrete manufacturing, driven by our core values of innovation, passion and quality. We are committed to delivering first-class products and services that meet the evolving needs of our clients/customers while ensuring the seamless flow of materials and products. As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking a proactive and experienced Transport Manager to optimise our supply chain operations and ensure timely delivery of our high-quality concrete products.
Job Purpose
The Transport Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all logistics and dispatch operations to ensure the department runs efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with RTU’s standards. This includes ensuring on-time delivery, maintaining high standards of quality, health and safety, and providing a first-class customer experience. The role is critical in optimising resource utilisation, safeguarding supply chain integrity, and ensuring compliance with all relevant industry regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Coordination
- Develop and implement logistics and dispatch strategies aligned with business goals, including medium-term business planning, performance targets, and budgeting.
- Coordinate the full logistics cycle, from transportation of raw materials to final product delivery, ensuring efficiency and on-time performance.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, supervise, and develop the logistics and dispatch team, including HGV drivers and coordinators.
- Oversee recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations in line with company policy.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement through coaching, communication, and development plans.
- Promote team engagement by encouraging participation in work-related events and activities outside of the workplace, such as team-building challenges, charity fundraisers, sporting events, and community initiatives.
Fleet & Inventory Management
- Manage the vehicle fleet to ensure it is compliant, roadworthy, and efficiently utilised, with preventative maintenance in place.
- Monitor and schedule regular servicing with the maintenance team to minimise downtime.
- Oversee inventory levels to support production and customer fulfilment while controlling storage and holding costs.
- Coordinate with the Production team on inventory requirements, ensuring they are informed of any additional or high-volume orders, while supporting stock planning to meet customer fulfilment needs and minimise holding costs.
Driver Operations
- Create and manage effective driver schedules to ensure coverage and efficient route planning.
- Monitor driver hours, tachograph data, and performance, arranging corrective action or training where necessary.
- Respond quickly to incidents such as driver breakdowns or delays, coordinating alternative arrangements to minimise disruption.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise daily with customers, sales, and production planning teams to ensure alignment on delivery schedules and order requirements.
- Proactively manage and resolve customer complaints related to delivery or logistics, ensuring a timely and professional resolution.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, contractors, and internal departments.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all logistics activities comply with health, safety, environmental, and transport legislation.
- Log all accidents, conduct accident investigations and monitor fleet damage associated with this.
- Promote a strong safety culture through risk assessments, compliance checks, and enforcement of safe working practices.
- Stay informed of relevant legal and regulatory changes, ensuring full compliance at all times.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor logistics KPIs such as delivery performance, fleet utilisation, and transport costs, reporting regularly to senior management.
- Identify and implement process improvements to streamline logistics operations, reduce costs, and enhance service.
- Ensure the ongoing review and optimisation of logistics systems, including scheduling software and fleet management tools.
Communication & Administration
- Lead regular cross-departmental meetings to promote effective communication and collaboration.
- Ensure the smooth running of all dispatch and logistics processes, coordinating team efforts and resolving issues as they arise.
- Maintain adherence to confidentiality, quality standards, and all relevant company policies and procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria:
Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience in logistics, transport, or supply chain management, ideally at a managerial level within construction, manufacturing, or related high-output industries.
- Comprehensive understanding of transport legislation and logistics best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver operational improvements and cost savings against targets.
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Practical knowledge of construction sites and manufacturing environments.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
- Customer-focused with a commitment to high service standards.
- Excellent organisational, numerical, and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
- Confident problem solver with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and logistics/transport software systems.
Other Requirements
- Possession of a valid CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in transport management.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Willingness to work flexible hours to meet operational demands.
Desirable Criteria:
- Relevant qualifications in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Awareness of sustainable transport practices and environmental compliance.
- Previous or a current HGV driving licence.
Key Attributes:
- Innovation – Actively seeks new ways to optimise performance and embrace technology.
- Passion – Demonstrates enthusiasm and dedication in delivering exceptional results.
- Quality Focus – Maintains high standards in dispatch, delivery, and compliance.
- Leadership – Leads by example and fosters a high-performance team culture.
- Adaptability – Handles challenges calmly and flexibly in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to lead logistics operations in a company that values innovation, passion, and quality.
- A dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.
- Competitive salary dependent upon the skills and expertise of the successful candidate.
- Company pension scheme.
- Access to the Medicash Health Cash Plan.
- 30 days’ annual leave (receiving one additional day of annual leave for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 32 days).
- Free on-site parking.
At RTU, we are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take on this exciting role and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional concrete solutions, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV below.
RTU is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and safe workplace.