At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage transport operations, ensuring efficient delivery plans and excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Abbey Logistics, a leader in logistics excellence with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, on-site parking, and employee referral programme.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the logistics industry.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in transport planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35862 - 35862 £ per year.
Location: Newark-on-Trent, NG24 1DL
Salary: £35,862 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Shift Pattern: 0700 to 1900 and 1900 to 0700 days and nights rotation
Join Our Transport Team at Abbey Logistics! We’re looking for an experienced Transport Operations Controller to join our busy and successful planning team based at our Newark depot, supporting our key customer, British Sugar.
About the Role: Since 2016, Abbey Logistics has proudly partnered with British Sugar, delivering high standards through collaboration and operational excellence. As a Transport Operations Controller, you’ll play a vital role in executing real‑time transport plans, managing driver and fleet resources, and ensuring first‑class customer service is delivered every time. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role requiring excellent communication, planning, and problem‑solving skills. You’ll liaise daily with British Sugar, third party hauliers, customers, and our driving teams. The successful candidate will provide operational planning and process skills which maximises the utilisation of vehicles and minimises hours and mileage and ensures delivery on time targets are met. The position is accountable for 24/7 execution of the allocated daily plan in an efficient and cost‑effective manner within a safe and compliant environment. Working as an integral member of the Planning team.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement a cost effective and efficient delivery plan that enables customer DOT targets to be met and VMI Customers to maintain production whilst dealing with any real-time event management.
- Ensure we have the planned number of fleet (Tractors and Trailers) and drivers are all available to complete efficient delivery plan.
- Brief and debrief of drivers via HHD Device to ensure all drivers are ‘signed off’ for work and that all debrief information is captured and inputted into the correct system in a timely manner.
- Escalate any deviance to plan to Transport Planner and Planning Manager.
- Upkeep and update of all systems (Whiteboard, SB Client, QBis etc.) to be in a ‘Live’ state.
- Adhere to Customer adherence plan through Load List allocation, Special Bookings and daily management.
- Management & communication of all 3rd Party Load list bookings.
- Follow the planned maintenance schedule through implementation of the Delivery plan to ensure company’s fleet remains fully compliant whilst delivering operational efficiency, enabling all equipment to be maintained in the most cost-effective way and in line with the business O licence under takings.
- Plan for any exceptional return of trailers for Washout to Wash Station.
- Daily compliance & control of non-core resource i.e. Agency, Internal Support, Sub Contraction to adhere and achieve trunking requirements, in line with execution of delivery plan.
- Escalation of any shortfall of resource to Transport Planner and Planning Manager.
- Ensure effective communication of any issues (driver misconduct, late deliveries, delays, incidents, accidents) to Internal & External Parties via agreed method i.e. Email, Incident Report, Airsweb).
- Be the point of contact & escalation for out of hours Customer Service enquires.
- Control, compilation and distribution of Handover amongst peers.
- Consistently strive to improve contract transport performance and suggest ways to do this with minimum impact to costs and the operation.
- Accountable for Daily VMI Customer Management regarding gathering of Daily Forecasts, Daily Forecast Tracker & escalation of no forecast or ‘exceptional’ forecasts.
- Daily Management, update and distribution of Washout List and Register.
- Recording and actioning of defects or breakdowns.
- Deputise in absence of Transport Planner.
What We’re Looking For
Knowledge
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to persuade and influence colleagues at all levels.
- Able to work autonomously yet able to collaborate with a wider team.
- Network effectively, negotiate well and influence people, broker relationships with key customer stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
- Understand contracted SLA/KPI’s and associated reporting mechanisms.
- Realise cost saving opportunities.
- Establish and maintain sound working relationships, offering constant support to the business and customer.
- Ability to balance conflicting priorities.
- Ability to adapt in a fast changing environment.
- Methodical and organised approach to work, being able to prioritise effectively.
- Flexible attitude and approach.
- Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word and Outlook) with the ability to learn new systems.
- A flexible team‑based approach.
Experience
- Understanding compiling and creating a Transport Delivery Plan.
- Sound geographical knowledge.
- The ability to take ownership of issues & work.
- Understanding of Driver WTD Hours.
- Understanding of vehicle compliance.
- History of managing supplier relationships.
- Vehicle planning experience.
- Working in a challenging office environment.
Qualifications
- A good standard of formal education.
- International & UK CPC holder (Preferred not desirable).
- On-site parking.
- Employee referral programme.
Additional Info: Candidates must be able to reliably commute to or relocate to Newark-on-Trent. Apply today to join a team that values reliability, efficiency, and teamwork in delivering logistics excellence.
Transport Operations Controller employer: Abbey Logistics Group Ltd
Abbey Logistics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newark-on-Trent where teamwork and operational excellence are at the forefront of our culture. We provide competitive salaries, comprehensive employee benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that our Transport Operations Controllers thrive in their roles while delivering outstanding service to our key customer, British Sugar. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Operations Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the transport and logistics industry, especially those connected to Abbey Logistics or British Sugar. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on your knowledge about transport operations, compliance, and customer service. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but the perfect fit for our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills. We love candidates who can think on their feet, so come prepared with examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Operations Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in transport operations. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your excellent communication and planning skills shine through. Give examples of how you've managed resources or solved problems in previous roles to demonstrate your fit for the Transport Operations Controller position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you're the right person for the job.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbey Logistics Group Ltd
✨Know Your Transport Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transport operations and delivery planning. Understand the key responsibilities of the role, such as managing driver resources and ensuring timely deliveries. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Transport Operations Controller, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Prepare to demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview. Think of scenarios where you've effectively communicated with team members or customers, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare examples of how you've dealt with real-time issues in previous roles, such as delays or resource shortages. Highlight your methodical approach and how you prioritised tasks to maintain operational efficiency.
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Research Abbey Logistics and its partnership with British Sugar. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they align with your own. Showing that you understand their commitment to operational excellence and customer service will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
