Transport Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead a high‑volume, multi‑drop operation at our Kent site. Reporting to the General Manager, you will have full operational responsibility for a fleet of around 100 vehicles and 100 drivers, ensuring safe, compliant and cost‑effective delivery performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily transport operations, ensuring routes are resourced, vehicles are available and deliveries are completed safely, on time and in full.
• Manage transport planning, route execution, driver deployment and contingency arrangements to respond to volume changes, absences and disruptions.
• Drive fleet utilisation, vehicle turnaround, route efficiency and driver productivity while protecting service standards.
• Maintain operational control throughout each shift, resolving delivery failures, delays, vehicle issues and other exceptions promptly.
• Oversee drivers, transport supervisors and planning teams through clear objectives, performance reviews, coaching and communication.
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as OTIF, cost per delivery, vehicle utilisation, empty mileage, fuel performance and accident frequency.
• Control transport costs within budget, reducing agency, fuel, maintenance and subcontractor spend.
• Collaborate with warehouse, customer service and commercial teams to align dispatch, loading and delivery plans.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives using transport management systems, telematics and operational data.

Required profile

• Significant hands‑on transport management experience in a high‑volume, multi‑drop environment (FMCG, retail or 3PL preferred).
• Transport Manager CPC qualification.
• Proven ability to manage a sizeable fleet and driver population in a fast‑paced, service‑led setting.
• Strong transport planning, resource management and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience managing transport budgets and delivering measurable improvements in service, productivity, utilisation and cost.
• Visible, engaging leadership style with a track record of developing supervisors, planners and drivers.
• Confidence using transport management systems, telematics and KPI data to drive improvement.

Required skills

• Transport Management System (TMS)
• Telematics

What we offer

• £55,000 per year
• Excellent benefits package