At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate our transport operations, driving efficiency and performance.
- Company: A family-run logistics business focused on personal service and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Join a leadership team with ownership, quick decision-making, and recognition for your contributions.
- Other info: Diversity and equality are valued; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport in a dynamic environment where your impact is visible.
- Qualifications: Proven transport leadership experience and an International CPC qualification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are a family-run, privately owned business built on strong relationships, operational excellence, and a genuine pride in the service we deliver. Our success has been built by combining a personal approach with professional standards - giving our customers the reliability of a major logistics provider, while retaining the agility, responsiveness, and care that sets us apart.
We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded Head of Transport to take full ownership of our transport operation and become a key member of our leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity for a transport professional who wants more than a traditional management role. You will have the autonomy to influence strategy, drive operational improvement, and shape the future of our transport function as the business continues to grow.
You will be responsible for leading the complete transport operation - setting standards, improving performance, controlling costs, developing people, and creating a culture where accountability, professionalism, and respect are at the heart of everything we do. At our business, decisions are made quickly, ideas are valued, and experienced people have the opportunity to make a visible impact. Unlike larger, more complex organisations where change can be slow, you will have the ability to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and see the results of your leadership.
You will play a critical role in ensuring our transport operation remains efficient, compliant, customer-focused, and commercially aligned, while supporting our ambition to deliver exceptional service and build long-term partnerships with our customers.
Key Responsibilities- Take full ownership of the transport operation, including service delivery, operational performance, cost control, and continuous improvement.
- Lead, develop, and inspire the transport and driving teams, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, ownership, and high standards.
- Build strong relationships with drivers and operational colleagues, ensuring people feel valued, supported, and respected.
- Drive transport efficiency by identifying opportunities to improve utilisation, reduce empty running, optimise resources, and maximise fleet performance.
- Own transport cost management, challenging inefficiencies and implementing commercially focused solutions.
- Lead transport planning strategy, ensuring resources are aligned with customer requirements and operational demands.
- Take full responsibility for operator licence compliance, driver standards, working time regulations, and all relevant transport legislation.
- Use data, reporting, and KPIs to understand performance, drive improvements, and create a culture of continuous development.
- Lead the transport element of customer onboarding, ensuring operational solutions are well planned and delivered successfully from day one.
- Develop strong partnerships with customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring we continue to be recognised as a trusted logistics partner rather than simply a service provider.
- Act as a visible and approachable leader who engages with the operation, solves problems quickly, and sets the benchmark for professional standards.
- Bring fresh thinking, challenge existing processes, and identify opportunities to improve the way we operate.
We are looking for a proven transport leader who combines operational expertise with commercial understanding and the ability to inspire people. You will have:
- Proven experience in a senior transport leadership role within a demanding operational environment.
- International CPC qualification (mandatory), with experience holding or supporting Operator Licence responsibilities.
- A strong track record of improving transport performance, controlling costs, and delivering operational efficiencies.
- Experience leading planning functions and improving fleet utilisation.
- The ability to balance customer expectations, operational requirements, compliance, and commercial objectives.
- A leadership style built around trust, visibility, clarity, and accountability.
- The confidence to make decisions, challenge current thinking, and drive positive change.
- A genuine understanding of drivers and the realities of day-to-day transport operations.
- The ambition to contribute at leadership level and help shape the future direction of a growing business.
This is an opportunity to join a business where your experience will genuinely matter. You will:
- Become a key member of the leadership team with genuine ownership and influence.
- Have the freedom to shape and develop the transport function rather than simply maintain it.
- Work in an environment where decisions happen quickly, ideas are encouraged, and performance is recognised.
- Join a company that combines the professionalism and reliability customers expect with the personal service and flexibility that larger competitors often struggle to provide.
- Build meaningful relationships with customers, colleagues, and drivers in a business where people are valued.
- Make a visible difference by improving operations, developing teams, and helping drive continued growth.
If you are an experienced transport professional looking for the next step in your career - a role where your knowledge, leadership, and commercial ability can have a real impact - this offers the opportunity to be part of something ambitious.
Head of Transport in Woking employer: Barker Ross Group
Join a reputable frozen foods distribution company in ME20, Kent, where we prioritise our drivers' well-being with competitive pay rates and consistent hours. Our supportive work culture fosters growth through comprehensive training and buddying for new drivers, ensuring you feel confident on the road while delivering essential products across London and the South.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Transport in Woking
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Barker Ross Group.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Barker Ross Group. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Transport in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Barker Ross Group, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Barker Ross Group and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Barker Ross Group. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barker Ross Group
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Barker Ross Group.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Barker Ross Group.