General Manager in Hythe

General Manager in Hythe

Hythe Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise transport operations across the UK and Europe, ensuring safety and compliance.
  • Company: Dynamic logistics company focused on operational excellence and growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the logistics industry while leading diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in haulage, strong commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for strategic development and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The General Manager will oversee all operational, commercial, and strategic aspects of a UK and European haulage business. The role is responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and profitable delivery of transport services across domestic and international routes. This includes leading multi-site teams, optimising fleet utilisation, managing key customer relationships, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with UK and EU transport legislation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Leadership
    • Oversee day-to-day transport operations across UK and EU routes, ensuring service excellence and on-time delivery.
    • Optimise fleet utilisation, driver scheduling, load planning, and routing.
    • Lead depot and operations teams, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
    • Ensure effective management of subcontractors, agency drivers, and third-party logistics partners.
    • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes.
  • Compliance & Safety
    • Maintain full compliance with the UK’s Operator Licence requirements working alongside the transport manager including adherence to DVSA guidelines, tachograph laws, Working Time Directive, and vehicle maintenance standards.
    • Ensure compliance with European transport regulations (EU Mobility Package, cabotage rules, driving hours, border controls).
    • Manage audits, risk assessments, and health & safety protocols across the business.
    • Promote a strong safety culture, supported by training and performance management.
  • Financial & Commercial Management
    • Own the P&L for the transport division, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
    • Analyse KPIs such as cost-per-mile, fuel efficiency, trailer utilisation, and empty running.
    • Develop and implement pricing strategies, tenders, and commercial proposals.
    • Identify and deliver revenue growth opportunities.
    • Manage supplier contracts (fuel, maintenance, leasing, technology).
  • Customer & Stakeholder Management
    • Build strong relationships with key customers, ensuring excellent service levels and retention.
    • Resolve escalated service issues quickly and effectively.
    • Develop new business opportunities in collaboration with the commercial team.
    • Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and supplier negotiations.
  • Strategic Development
    • Lead the operational execution of the company’s strategic objectives.
    • Identify market trends, regulatory changes, and technological innovations (e.g., telematics, automation, fleet decarbonisation).
    • Drive continuous development of fleet strategies, alternative fuels, and asset optimisation.
    • Support growth initiatives, including new depot openings or European expansion.

Skills & Experience Required

  • Essential
    • Proven leadership experience within UK and European haulage or logistics operations.
    • Strong understanding of UK O-Licence compliance, EU transport regulations, and industry best practices.
    • Track record managing large teams and multi-site operations.
    • Strong commercial acumen with P&L accountability.
    • Experience using transport management systems (TMS), telematics, fleet tracking, and route optimisation tools.
    • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Desirable
    • Experience with cross-border freight (e.g., France, Germany, Benelux, Ireland).
    • Knowledge of freight forwarding, customs procedures, or Brexit-related regulations.
    • Experience leading digital transformation or fleet modernisation projects.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • On-time delivery performance (OTIF)
  • Fleet utilisation & empty running metrics
  • Profit margin & operating costs
  • Customer satisfaction & retention
  • Compliance scores (DVSA, internal audits)
  • Driver retention & safety record

Personal Attributes

  • Strategic thinker with strong operational discipline
  • Solutions-oriented and decisive
  • Motivational leader who can build high-performing teams
  • Strong communicator with a professional, customer-focused approach
  • Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, regulated industry

Contact: Natasha Chappell - Email: natasha@freight44.com

General Manager in Hythe employer: Freight44

As a General Manager at our Lympne location, you will join a dynamic logistics and transport team that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. We foster a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, offering ample opportunities for professional growth within the UK and European markets. Our commitment to safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction makes us an exceptional employer in the haulage industry.
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Contact Detail:

Freight44 Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager in Hythe

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the logistics and transport industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving operational excellence. Share specific examples of how you've optimised processes or improved compliance – it’ll make you stand out!

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. A well-timed email can put you on their radar before they even start the hiring process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on industry trends and regulations. Being knowledgeable about the latest in EU transport legislation or fleet optimisation strategies will show that you’re not just another candidate – you’re the one they need to lead their operations!

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Hythe

Operational Leadership
Fleet Optimisation
Compliance with UK O-Licence
EU Transport Regulations
P&L Management
Transport Management Systems (TMS)
Telematics
Route Optimisation Tools
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Border Freight Knowledge
Digital Transformation Experience
Strategic Thinking
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in logistics and transport, and don’t forget to mention any relevant compliance knowledge you have. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence or managed large teams. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!

Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your achievements. Whether it’s improving fleet utilisation or enhancing customer satisfaction, we love to see quantifiable results. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Freight44

✨Know Your Numbers

As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key performance indicators like profit margins and fleet utilisation metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've managed P&L in previous roles and how you can apply that knowledge to drive profitability in this position.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples from your past where you've successfully led multi-site teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you've fostered a high-performance culture or resolved conflicts within your team. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others.

✨Understand Compliance Inside Out

Compliance is crucial in the logistics industry. Familiarise yourself with UK O-Licence requirements and EU transport regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would maintain safety standards and regulatory adherence in this new position.

✨Build Relationships

Customer and stakeholder management is key for this role. Think of examples where you've built strong relationships with clients or resolved service issues effectively. Be ready to discuss how you would approach customer retention and develop new business opportunities in collaboration with the commercial team.

General Manager in Hythe
Freight44
Location: Hythe

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