Group Transport Operations Manager

Morgan McKinley; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley seeks an experienced Group Transport Operations Manager to lead a large multi-site transport operation in the Munster region, primarily based in Cork. The role reports to the COO and focuses on safety, compliance, performance and continuous improvement across 95+ drivers and support staff.

The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, optimise routes, manage incidents and collaborate with HR, workshop and senior management to deliver high service levels.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience within transport, logistics, fleet or operations management.
• Proven experience managing a large operational workforce, including drivers.
• Strong people and performance management, including managers and supervisors.
• Experience across multiple sites or teams.
• Hands-on, practical leadership with focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day transport operations across multiple locations.
• Develop transport management, supervisory and workshop teams.
• Provide visible leadership and drive high performance.
• Manage performance, attendance, probation and development with HR.
• Monitor KPIs and use data to drive improvements.
• Oversee driver compliance, vehicle checks, telematics and CCTV.
• Review routes to improve productivity and service.
• Lead investigations into accidents and incidents.
• Address customer and local authority queries promptly.
• Collaborate with Workshop and external providers to maximise uptime.
• Maintain communication with Operations, HR, Health & Safety, Customer Service and senior management.
• Support operational and strategic projects across the Group.

Skills

Transport operations

People management

Route planning

Performance monitoring

Data-driven decisions

Tools

Fleet management systems

Telematics

CCTV systems

Job description

Morgan McKinley is representing a key client in the recruitment of an experienced Group Transport Operations Manager to lead and continuously improve transport operations across multiple sites in the Munster region.

Based primarily in Cork, this senior, hands-on role will oversee a large transport operation of approximately 95 drivers and support staff, working closely with transport management, workshop and operational teams.

Reporting to the COO, the successful candidate will provide strong operational leadership, drive performance, ensure high standards of safety and compliance, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day transport operation across multiple locations, ensuring resources are effectively deployed and operational targets are achieved.
• Manage and develop transport management, supervisory and workshop teams.
• Provide visible leadership across the operation and promote a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Manage employee performance, attendance, probation, conduct and development in partnership with HR.
• Monitor transport KPIs and use operational data to identify trends, resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee driver compliance, vehicle checks, telematics and CCTV systems, using data to address incidents, complaints and driving performance.
• Review and optimise routes to improve productivity, vehicle utilisation and customer service.
• Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, vehicle damage and operational failures, ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Oversee transport-related customer and local authority queries, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively.
• Work closely with Workshop and external service providers to maximise vehicle availability and minimise downtime.
• Maintain strong communication with Operations, HR, Health & Safety, Customer Service and senior management.
• Support wider operational and strategic projects across the Group.

Experience & Requirements

• Significant senior-level experience within transport, logistics, fleet or operations management.
• Proven experience managing a large operational workforce, ideally including drivers or field-based teams.
• Strong people and performance management experience, including managing managers and supervisors.
• Experience across multiple teams, sites or operational functions.
• Strong understanding of transport operations, route planning and operational efficiency.
• Experience managing accidents, incidents, complaints and performance issues.
• Familiarity with fleet management, telematics, CCTV or driver management systems is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational and analytical skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to challenge poor performance and manage difficult conversations.
• A practical, hands-on leadership style with a strong focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced transport or operations leader to take ownership of a sizeable, multi-site operation and make a significant impact on performance, people and service delivery.