Transport Manager

Fowler Welch (Part of the Culina Group) operates in the fresh produce sector providing time critical logistics solutions for major retailers, growers and manufacturers across the UK. At Culina Group we have a winning culture, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive - a place where you’re valued, challenged, and inspired!

As a Transport Manager, you will be required to deliver an efficient and cost-effective transport solution. You will take full accountability for the Transport Function, Operational Compliance and People management. Direct reports will be Transport Supervisors, Driver Trainers, Team Leaders and Fleet Administrator.

Working hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm.

Key Duties of a Transport Manager:

• Maintain department discipline including dress code, time keeping, conduct and performance using the Company disciplinary policy and procedures with the support of HR and escalating issues when necessary.
• Oversee the effective application of the Company absence policy and procedures including monitoring of absence levels and conducting return to work discussions.
• Ensure all legal and statutory requirements are strictly complied with.
• Ensure all practices and procedures are carried out in line with FWs Health & Safety policy.
• Check agency invoices and subcontractor self-bills, ensuring legal compliance.
• Attend and contribute at on and offsite customer meetings and visits.
• Liaise closely with the warehouse, site, & transport to ensure understanding of each other's issues, joint resolution of problems and achieve efficiencies between the departments.
• Take the lead in conflict resolution across the shift and ensure processes are followed and outcomes are fair.
• Ensure effective and timely internal and external communications.
• Identify the training and development needs for Transport Supervisors and organise/oversee solutions using own knowledge and company training tools.
• Proactively manage the Operations Supervisors by coaching them to ensure the right decisions are made to avoid conflict and cost.
• Take a proactive and positive stance in regard to the implementation of business and group wide initiatives.
• Support the wider depot cost effectiveness and operating channels by removing barriers to ensure optimal working.
• Ensure accidents/incidents are investigated and appropriate action plans are put in place.
• Ensure the shift is running to optimum cost effectiveness by ensuring the correct headcount, agency usage, reduction of absence, performance is maintained and where possible exceeded and identifying areas where cost can be reduced.
• Close liaison with fellow management team to discuss efficiencies and agreed operational practices.
• Proactively monitor and control costs against budget.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience within a Transport management role.
• Good understanding of the third party haulage market.
• CPC Licence / Understanding.
• Proven experience of vehicle planning/operating within the FMCG distribution industry.
• Knowledge of Driver hours, Working Time and Tachograph regulations.
• Great geographical knowledge.
• Ability to lead, motivate and manage a team.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and organizational skills.
• Able to make decisions under pressure, and to a tight timescale.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to working in order to meet the requirements of the business, particularly at peak periods during the year.
• Able to communicate well at all levels within the business.
• PC Literate in Word, Excel and Outlook.

Additional Information:

As part of our drive to make Fowler Welch a great place to work, we are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers. Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave: Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 days plus the bank holidays.
• Company Bonus: We do our best work to succeed together. When we achieve our goals you’ll be rewarded through our bonus scheme.
• Private Medical Cover: This gives you peace of mind, you have choice, flexibility and speed of access to the most clinically appropriate care via Bupa.
• Pension scheme: We want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirement so we offer a great contribution of 4.5% employee and 8% employer.
• Life Assurance: 3x your annual salary.
• Wellness: Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Eye Care Vouchers: We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition: We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts: Via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!