At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise transport and logistics operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a commitment to diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in logistics.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport management and strong people leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are now seeking an experienced Transport & Logistics Manager to join our Birmingham operation and play a key role in managing our despatch, transport and yard activities. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost‑effective transport and despatch operations while developing and leading a high‑performing team. Reporting into the General Manager, you will be accountable for developing and implementing robust despatch and transport processes, ensuring service excellence, cost control, and full compliance with Health & Safety standards. You’ll work closely with Production and Customer Service Team to ensure operational plans align with wider business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage inbound/outbound transport and third‑party hauliers
- Optimise load building, utilisation, back‑loads and routing
- Deliver OTIF targets and control transport costs
- Manage yard operations, FLTs, loading bays and stock control
Health, Safety & Quality
- Lead a strong Health & Safety culture
- Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and legislation
- Complete audits, observations, Take 5 and incident investigations
- Maintain excellent housekeeping across warehouse, despatch and yard
People Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop transport and despatch teams
- Manage rotas, cover, performance, attendance and disciplinary processes
- Deliver appraisals, feedback and ensure training is up to date
Stock, Systems & CI
- Manage stock control, rotation, pallets and SPOCS processes
- Align despatch with production plans
- Drive continuous improvement and system efficiencies
Financial & Customer Focus
- Control transport costs and eliminate waste
- Deliver internal and external OTIF performance
About You
We’re looking for a confident, proactive and hands‑on logistics professional with a proven track record of leading transport and despatch operations within a fast‑paced manufacturing or FMCG environment. Comfortable balancing operational delivery with people leadership, you’ll bring a strong safety‑first mindset, commercial awareness and the ability to build effective relationships across the business. You’ll be driven by continuous improvement and values‑led leadership, aligned with DS Smith’s commitment to safety, sustainability and performance.
Minimum Requirements
- Proven experience in transport, despatch or logistics management within manufacturing or FMCG
- Strong people leadership skills with hands‑on operational capability
- A solid understanding of Health & Safety, risk management and compliance
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A continuous improvement mindset aligned with DS Smith’s values
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Employee assistance program
- Cycle to work scheme
- Shopping discounts
- Subsidised staff canteen
- On site parking
Location
Birmingham (Smethwick)
Working Pattern
On Site – Monday to Friday day shift pattern
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Transport and Logistics Manager in Smethwick employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where our Transport and Logistics Manager can thrive. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and employee development, we provide comprehensive benefits including 25 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth. Our inclusive culture values diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member is empowered to contribute to our mission of redefining packaging for a changing world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport and Logistics Manager in Smethwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport and logistics sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values, especially around safety and sustainability, so you can show how you align with them. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in your previous roles. We love hearing about your hands-on approach and how you’ve driven continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at DS Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport and Logistics Manager in Smethwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transport and Logistics Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in transport, despatch, and logistics management, especially within manufacturing or FMCG environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to showcase your people leadership skills. Share examples of how you've coached and developed teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can balance operational delivery with strong leadership!
Emphasise Safety and Compliance:Given the importance of Health & Safety in this role, make sure to emphasise your understanding of safety standards and compliance. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve led a strong safety culture or managed risk effectively. It’s a big deal for us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transport and logistics management. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like load optimisation, compliance with Health & Safety standards, and cost control strategies. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading teams in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific examples where you've successfully coached or developed team members, managed performance issues, or implemented training programmes. Highlighting your people leadership skills will show that you're not just about operations but also about building a high-performing team.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company values continuous improvement, so come ready with examples of how you've driven efficiencies in past roles. Whether it's through process optimisation or innovative solutions, showing that you're proactive about making things better will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company's current challenges in transport and logistics, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
