Transport Manager

Transport Manager

c£55k + Excellent Benefits

Kent

Our client is a leading 3PL, and we are delighted to support them in recruiting an experienced Transport Manager to lead a high-volume, multi-drop operation at their Kent site.

Reporting to the General Manager and leading five direct reports, you will take full operational responsibility for the day-to-day performance of a busy transport function. The operation comprises approximately 100 vehicles and 100 drivers, delivering a demanding multi-drop schedule. You will ensure safe, compliant and cost-effective execution while maintaining high standards of service, productivity and driver performance.

Key Operational Accountabilities:

• Lead the daily transport operation, 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 effectively to volume changes, absence, disruption and customer priorities.
• Drive fleet utilisation, vehicle turnaround, route efficiency and driver productivity while protecting service standards.
• Maintain effective operational control throughout each shift, resolving delivery failures, delays, vehicle issues and other exceptions at pace.
• Manage drivers, transport supervisors and planning teams through clear objectives, visible leadership, performance reviews, coaching and effective communication.
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs, including OTIF, cost per delivery, vehicle utilisation, empty mileage, fuel performance, driver productivity, infringements and accident frequency.
• Control transport costs within budget, flexing labour and resource plans in line with volume while reducing agency, fuel, maintenance and subcontractor spend.
• Work closely with warehouse, customer service and commercial teams to align dispatch, loading and delivery plans and to improve end-to-end operational performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using transport systems, telematics and operational data to improve safety, service, efficiency and cost.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Significant hands-on transport management experience within a high-volume, multi-drop operation; FMCG, retail or 3PL experience would be advantageous.
• A Transport Manager CPC qualification.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a sizeable fleet and driver population in a fast-paced, service-led environment.
• Strong transport planning, resource management and problem-solving capability, with the confidence to make effective operational decisions under pressure.
• Experience of managing transport budgets and delivering measurable improvements in service, productivity, utilisation and cost.
• A visible, engaging leadership style with the ability to set standards, hold teams accountable and develop supervisors, planners and drivers.
• Confidence using transport management systems, telematics and KPI data to identify issues and drive continuous improvement.

This is a fantastic opportunity – we look forward to your application.