At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our transport operations while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and excellence in transport management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for transformation and growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport with autonomy and make a real impact on operations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in transport operations and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking a senior, commercially astute Transport Manager to provide strategic leadership and full operational ownership of our Whitchurch transport function. This is a newly created, high-impact role with the autonomy to shape long-term transport strategy, modernise systems and ways of working, and deliver measurable improvements across safety, service, cost, and capability.
Reporting into the site General Manager, with a dotted line to the European Head of Transport, you will be accountable for building a best-in-class transport operation that is safe, compliant, scalable, and commercially optimised. You will lead a large, multi-disciplinary transport team and play a pivotal role in transformation initiatives, including a major Transport Management System (TMS) rollout. This role requires a visible, credible leader who can operate at both strategic and operational levels—setting direction, influencing stakeholders, developing talent, and driving sustained performance improvement.
Key Accountabilities- Strategic & Operational Leadership: Provide end-to-end leadership of the Whitchurch transport operation, setting clear strategic direction aligned to business objectives. Translate business strategy into feasible transport plans covering fleet, people, systems, subcontractors, and service delivery. Act as the senior transport authority on site, influencing operational, commercial, and safety decisions at leadership level.
- Safety, Compliance & Governance: Hold full accountability for transport safety, legal compliance, and governance in line with UK transport legislation, DVSA standards, and O-Licence obligations. Establish robust compliance frameworks, controls, and assurance processes, ensuring audit readiness at all times. Lead serious incident, accident, and insurance investigations, driving root-cause analysis and sustainable risk reduction.
- Fleet, Asset & Cost Optimisation: Own the strategic management of fleet and assets, including HGV and trailers. Ensure accurate, timely, and actionable fleet, compliance, and cost reporting to support data-driven decision-making.
- Transport Planning & Service Performance: Oversee transport planning and execution to deliver consistent, high-quality service to customers and internal stakeholders. Partner with Operations to ensure effective resourcing, contingency planning, and disruption management. Embed performance management disciplines, using KPIs and insight to continuously improve service, cost, and efficiency.
- People Leadership & Capability Building: Lead, develop, and inspire a large transport workforce including planners, compliance teams, supervisors, and drivers. Build a high-performance culture through clear accountability, coaching, succession planning, and leadership development. Own recruitment strategy, onboarding, training, engagement, and performance management for the transport function.
- Commercial & Strategic Development: Own transport-related commercial performance, contributing to P&L, budgeting, and cost control. Identify and develop new revenue opportunities through subcontractor strategy, external partnerships, and service innovation.
- Transformation & Systems Leadership: Lead major change initiatives, including compliance improvement programmes and the implementation of a new Transport Management System (TMS). Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement across transport processes.
- Proven senior leadership experience within medium-to-large transport operations (40+ drivers).
- Strong expertise in transport compliance, fleet management, and operational governance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large teams, manage complexity, and deliver sustained performance improvement.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, costs, and operational profitability.
- Experience within food, retail, or warehouse-integrated transport environments.
- Multi-site or network transport leadership exposure.
- Hands-on involvement in TMS implementation or large-scale operational transformation.
- CPC (National & International) – essential.
- NEBOSH or equivalent – desirable.
Transport Manager employer: Americold Logistics, LLC.
As a leading employer in the transport sector, we offer an exciting opportunity for a Transport Manager to shape the future of our Whitchurch operations. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our supportive work culture, where innovation and strategic thinking are encouraged, alongside competitive benefits and a focus on safety and compliance. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that not only enhances your career but also contributes to building a best-in-class transport operation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the transport industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in fleet management and compliance. Use specific examples of how you've improved operations or led teams to success. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. Share your CV and let them know how you can add value to their transport operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s transport strategies and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially around safety and efficiency. Tailoring your approach shows you’re serious about the role and understand their needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transport Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, compliance knowledge, and any relevant achievements in transport operations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for transport strategy and how you plan to lead our team to success. Be authentic and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on measurable outcomes. Did you improve safety metrics or reduce costs? Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Americold Logistics, LLC.
✨Know Your Transport Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company's transport strategy and how it aligns with their business objectives. Be ready to discuss how you would translate their strategic goals into actionable transport plans, covering fleet management, compliance, and service delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large teams and driving performance improvements. Think about specific situations where you've inspired your team, managed complexity, or implemented successful change initiatives, especially in transport operations.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on UK transport legislation, DVSA standards, and O-Licence obligations. Be prepared to discuss how you've established compliance frameworks in previous roles and how you would ensure audit readiness in this new position.
✨Discuss Cost Optimisation Strategies
Be ready to talk about your experience with budget management and cost control in transport operations. Share insights on how you've identified new revenue opportunities or optimised fleet and asset management to improve commercial performance.