Transport Manager
W Talent is currently recruiting for an experienced and proactive Transport Manager to lead and develop transport operations across London and Manchester.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on transport professional to take ownership of fleet management, driver performance, transport compliance and operational efficiency within a growing food distribution business.
Managing an initial fleet of 16 vehicles, including 3.5-tonne vans and HGVs, you will play a key role in ensuring deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time, while maintaining high standards of legal compliance, customer service and operational performance.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will work closely with Warehouse, Operations, Purchasing, Customer Service and Finance teams to drive performance, control costs and continuously improve transport processes.
Key responsibilities
Transport operations: Plan and oversee daily transport activities, ensuring timely deliveries, effective route planning and maximum fleet utilisation.
Fleet management: Coordinate vehicle inspections, servicing, MOTs, repairs, insurance, vehicle documentation and roadworthiness.
Legal compliance: Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence requirements, DVSA regulations, drivers' hours, tachograph rules and the Working Time Directive.
Driver management: Provide operational support to drivers, monitor performance, conduct inductions and resolve delivery issues, incidents and customer complaints.
HGV compliance: Maintain accurate maintenance records, manage preventative maintenance schedules and prepare for audits and DVSA inspections.
Third-party logistics: Manage external transport providers, monitor service levels, resolve operational issues and review invoices and costs.
Health and safety: Promote safe working practices, oversee vehicle safety checks and investigate accidents and near misses.
Continuous improvement: Develop procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs), introduce digital fleet management systems and identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Reporting and performance: Monitor KPIs, including on-time deliveries, fleet utilisation, vehicle downtime, fuel efficiency, compliance and transport costs.
Essential requirements
A valid Transport Manager CPC (Standard National or International) is essential.
Proven experience managing transport operations and vehicle fleets.
Strong knowledge of UK transport legislation and Operator Licence compliance.
Understanding of DVSA requirements, vehicle maintenance and drivers' hours regulations.
Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and transport administration.
Ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing demands and work effectively under pressure.
Strong attention to detail, leadership skills and a proactive approach.
Desirable experience
Background in food distribution or FMCG logistics.
Experience managing refrigerated vehicles or temperature-controlled deliveries.
Familiarity with transport management systems and digital fleet management solutions.
Experience managing third-party logistics providers.
Experience developing procedures, improving KPIs and controlling transport costs.
What we are looking for
We are seeking a commercially aware, accountable and solutions-focused professional who can combine hands-on operational management with strong compliance expertise.
You will be confident supporting drivers, working collaboratively across departments and taking ownership of operational challenges. You will also have the initiative to identify improvements, introduce better processes and help develop an efficient, safe and scalable transport operation.
This role would suit an experienced Transport Manager who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, takes pride in maintaining high compliance standards and can balance customer service, operational efficiency and cost control.
The role at a glance
Fleet responsibility
Reporting to: Head of Operations
Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience
Working pattern: Full-time, Monday to Saturday
If you are an experienced Transport Manager with a valid CPC and a strong background in fleet operations, compliance and logistics, W Talent would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.