At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage transport contracts, ensuring performance and profitability while building strong client relationships.
- Company: Join Pallet Plus, part of the award-winning Expect Distribution Group with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted gym membership, life insurance, and funded learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative workplace focused on growth and success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport or contract management with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Founded in 2005, Pallet Plus became part of the Expect Distribution Group in 2023. We provide reliable palletised distribution as part of a wider, customer-focused logistics network. Known for our friendly, down-to-earth culture, we offer a supportive environment where people can grow, develop and build long-term careers. Expect Distribution is an award-winning logistics provider with over 36 years of experience delivering flexible, reliable warehousing, transport and distribution solutions across the UK. With people at the heart of everything we do, we foster a safe, inclusive and collaborative workplace where colleagues are supported to succeed and grow.
Position Overview
We are hiring a Transport Contract Manager at our Pallet Plus site, responsible for the commercial and strategic management of transport contracts, ensuring contractual performance, profitability, compliance, and strong client relationships. This role focuses on contract governance and commercial success rather than day-to-day operational delivery, working closely with operational teams to ensure contractual commitments are met.
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: CO7 7JW (Colchester)
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of transport contracts (including pallet network, open/closed book and dedicated), ensuring delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations while proactively identifying performance risks.
- Own contract P&L, driving profitability through analysis of key cost drivers (labour, fleet, fuel, subcontractors) and implementing cost-saving and revenue growth initiatives.
- Act as the primary customer contact, leading service reviews, managing escalations, and identifying opportunities for contract growth, renewal, and extension.
- Produce and present regular performance reports covering operational KPIs, SLAs, financials, and service metrics, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure contracts operate in line with legal, regulatory, and company standards, supporting audits and mitigating commercial and operational risks.
- Work collaboratively with transport operations, finance, compliance, and procurement teams to ensure alignment between contractual commitments and operational delivery.
- Support the mobilisation of new contracts, customer onboarding, and manage contract changes, variations, and renewals effectively.
Role Requirements
- Proven experience in transport, logistics, or contract management
- Strong commercial and financial acumen (P&L responsibility)
- Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical and reporting capability
- Good understanding of transport operations and compliance
- Effective communication and negotiation skills
- Contract Management & Governance
- Strategic Thinking
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Performance & Data Analysis
What We Offer
- Discounted gym membership through Medicash
- Life Insurance
- Funded Learning and Development Opportunities
Transport Contract Manager in Colchester employer: Expect Distribution Ltd
At Pallet Plus, part of the Expect Distribution Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a friendly and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Colchester, our team enjoys a supportive environment with access to funded learning opportunities and discounted gym memberships, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while building rewarding careers in the logistics sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Contract Manager in Colchester
✨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 Expect Distribution Ltd.
✨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 Expect Distribution Ltd. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Contract Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Expect Distribution Ltd, 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 Expect Distribution Ltd 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 Expect Distribution Ltd. 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 Expect Distribution Ltd
✨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 Expect Distribution Ltd.
✨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 Expect Distribution Ltd.
