Assistant Transport Manager

The Role: I am recruiting an Assistant Transport Manager on behalf of Arthur David, an award-winning food wholesaler, based in Bishop Sutton (Bristol BS39). Reporting into the Transport Manager, the successful Assistant Transport Manager will be responsible for the successful operation of 140 vans and Drivers, delivering fresh produce and fine foods to the catering industry, throughout the southwest of England and Wales. You will have the opportunity to input into Transport Department strategy, rationalising routes and implementing changes to help the operation run more smoothly, and will enjoy a varied and fast paced role, working in a friendly and supportive team environment, where your contribution is valued and where your career will progress accordingly.

The Person: We are happy to consider either an experienced Assistant Transport Manager / Transport Planner, perhaps someone who is keen to have the autonomy that comes with working for a smaller, dynamic business, or a Driver, who is keen to transition into an office environment and has the skills required to thrive in a managerial role. Experience of working with fresh produce is not essential, but the successful candidate will be calm under pressure and adept at problem solving (road closures, vehicle breakdowns etc.), having gained experience of working in a fast-paced, high-volume and time critical (FMCG) distribution environment.

Salary and Benefits: up to £40,000 (dependent on experience) + benefits including 25 days’ holiday + 8 days (bank) holiday, company pension, health care, free parking, discounted produce, Christmas food box etc.

Location: This role is based in Bishop Sutton, BS39, a rural village in the beautiful Chew Valley, 10 miles south of Bristol and Bath.

Hours of work: As this role oversees distribution to the food industry, it requires early starts (4-5am), and finishes around lunchtime, 5 days a week including some Saturdays (40 hours a week Monday to Saturday, with a rolling rest day - no Sunday working is required).

The Company: Arthur David Ltd is an award winning and highly successful business with strong family values, that supplies fresh produce and fine foods to the catering industry across the Southwest of England. Adhering to core values of Customer Service, Quality, Teamwork, Excellence and Respect they put customer service excellence at the heart of everything they do and provide a trusting and supportive work environment. Operating over three sites in Bristol and Somerset they employ nearly 500 people and over the last 15 years their turnover has increased from £11 million to nearly £60 million.

Assistant Transport Manager, Responsibilities:

• Daily checks, ensuring all vehicles have been dispatched as planned.
• Resolving any problems/issues that arise on a daily basis (road closures, access issues, vehicle breakdowns etc.)
• Assist the Transport Manager with line managing the team within Transport Department, assisting with Driver’s 1-2-1’s and appraisals and overseeing any disciplinary hearings/investigations.
• Attend weekly 1-2-1 meetings and planning meetings with the Transport Manager.
• Attend monthly departmental meetings.
• Cover all necessary tasks and attend company management meetings in the absence of the Transport Manager.
• Take responsibility for ensuring the correct vehicle numbers and availability.
• Ensure there is 4 weeks’ worth of Drivers Rota’s arranged in advance, communicating the Drivers rota weekly, and providing updates throughout the week.
• Oversee the Drivers’ holiday management.
• Take responsibility for the cover and availability of the Transport Planning and Analysing roles.
• Ensure the computer system is updated and accurately records all staff information (timesheets, holidays, absences, working rules & schedules etc.).
• Ensure that the quality, safety and legalities of all products are adhered to, in all aspects of Food Safety (temperature control, maintenance of the chill chain etc.).
• Ensure Health & Safety regulations are adhered to and make recommendations for improvement.
• Work in adherence with Company Core Values.

Assistant Transport Manager, Skills and experience required:

• 2 years’ + transport experience, either gained working as a Driver or managing a team of drivers, in a fast paced, time critical distribution environment.
• A strong relationship builder and a confident problem solver, with excellent communication skills, who is highly capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
• A proficient level of computer literacy (MS Outlook, Word and Excel).
• A full UK driving license (with a maximum of 3 penalty points).
• Preferably possessing a CPC qualification (preferable but not essential).

Dawn O’Shea is recruiting the Assistant Transport Manager directly on behalf of Arthur David Ltd so NO AGENCIES PLEASE. If you are successful in being short-listed, you will be contacted by telephone in the first instance to discuss the role and your requirements in more detail.