Operations Director - Transport
Operations Director - Transport

Operations Director - Transport

Chippenham Full-Time 84000 - 168000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise nationwide transport logistics operations while managing a high-performing team.
  • Company: Bis Henderson Recruitment is a top player in supply chain and logistics recruitment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £120K plus additional perks and benefits.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic environment where you can drive innovation and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in senior operations leadership with strong knowledge of transport logistics required.
  • Other info: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK; no visa sponsorship available.

The predicted salary is between 84000 - 168000 £ per year.

We are seeking a strategic and commercially astute Operations Director - Transport Logistics to lead our nationwide logistics operations. With responsibility for the end-to-end transport function, you will drive operational excellence, optimise supply chain efficiency, and lead a high-performing team across multiple depots and transport hubs.

This role is ideal for a dynamic logistics leader with deep expertise in road transport, fleet management, and distribution strategy who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute the company's transport logistics strategy aligned to business objectives and customer service standards.
  • Operational Oversight: Oversee the full spectrum of transport operations, including fleet utilisation, route optimisation, and cost control across regional and national networks.
  • Team Leadership: Lead, inspire and develop operational teams, including regional managers, depot leads, and logistics planners.
  • Performance Management: Set and monitor KPIs across service delivery, safety, compliance, and cost efficiency. Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Fleet & Compliance: Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance (e.g., DVSA, O-licence regulations), and manage fleet procurement, maintenance, and renewal programmes.
  • Customer Focus: Ensure exceptional service levels for B2B/B2C clients, including on-time delivery, issue resolution, and proactive communication.
  • Budget Management: Control a multi-million-pound budget with accountability for P&L performance, cost-saving initiatives, and return on investment.
  • Technology & Innovation: Drive the adoption of transport management systems (TMS), telematics, and automation technologies to support data-led decision making.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Work collaboratively with internal departments (sales, procurement, warehousing, finance) and external partners.
Key Requirements
  • Proven experience (8+ years) in senior operations leadership within transport logistics or supply chain sectors.
  • Demonstrable experience managing large-scale fleets and multi-site transport operations.
  • Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a track record of delivering P&L targets and operational efficiencies.
  • In-depth knowledge of transport legislation, health & safety standards, and compliance requirements in the UK and/or EU.
  • Experienced in implementing TMS, route planning software, and telematics systems.
  • Resilient, solutions-oriented leader with exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) National qualification is preferred.
  • Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business or a related field is desirable.

All applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK as our client will not support visa sponsorship for this role.

Operations Director - Transport employer: Bis Henderson

As an Operations Director - Transport at our Chippenham location, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. We offer a competitive salary of £120K plus additional benefits, fostering a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives and your leadership can make a significant impact. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to compliance and safety, we ensure that our team is equipped to excel in the dynamic logistics landscape.
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Contact Detail:

Bis Henderson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Transport

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the transport logistics sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the role and company culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the latest trends and technologies in transport management systems and fleet optimisation. Being knowledgeable about current innovations will demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven cost efficiencies and improved service delivery in previous roles. Use metrics and KPIs to showcase your impact and align your experience with the job requirements.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the company's values and mission. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your leadership style and strategic vision align with their goals, particularly in enhancing customer service and operational performance.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Transport

Strategic Leadership
Operational Oversight
Team Leadership
Performance Management
Fleet Management
Regulatory Compliance
Budget Management
Transport Management Systems (TMS)
Route Optimisation
Cost Control
Stakeholder Engagement
Commercial Acumen
Health & Safety Standards
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in transport logistics and operations leadership. Focus on your achievements in fleet management, cost control, and team leadership to align with the job requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision for transport logistics. Mention specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and improved efficiency in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your CPC certification and any degrees in Logistics or Supply Chain Management. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and managing performance. Provide examples of how you've inspired and developed operational teams to achieve high performance.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bis Henderson

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As an Operations Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to shape and execute a transport logistics strategy. Prepare examples of how you've aligned operations with business objectives in the past, focusing on customer service standards.

✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in leading and developing teams. Share specific instances where you inspired operational teams or improved performance through effective leadership, especially in multi-site environments.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since you'll be managing a multi-million-pound budget, come prepared to talk about your experience with P&L performance and cost-saving initiatives. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've achieved operational efficiencies while maintaining financial control.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance and Technology

Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on UK transport legislation and health & safety standards. Additionally, be ready to discuss your experience with transport management systems and how you've leveraged technology for data-led decision making.

Operations Director - Transport
Bis Henderson
B
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