Transportation Manager

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 • National 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

Location: Northamptonshire, UK, GB

Posted Date: 8/2/2025