Company Overview
Fylde Fresh & Fabulous Ltd is a leading potato producer in the UK, renowned for delivering high-quality, freshly peeled potatoes and chips to a diverse range of clients across the nation. Our dedicated team combines experience and enthusiasm to ensure excellence in sourcing, processing, and distributing premium products to food manufacturers, food service providers, and retail outlets.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Head of Transport Operations to lead, develop, and strategically direct our end-to-end transport function.
As a senior member of the operations team, you will hold full operational and financial accountability for the department—balancing the management of our owned fleet alongside key third-party haulage partners to ensure our delivery capacity consistently meets customer commitments and production demands. You will champion regulatory compliance, drive continuous improvement, and deliver cost-effective logistics aligned with wider business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the company's overarching transport strategy, integrating fleet assets, subcontracted transport, and resourcing models to support commercial growth.
- Compliance & Operator Licensing: Uphold the Operator's Licence to the highest standard, safeguarding OCRS Green status and ensuring complete adherence to transport legislation, health and safety, and food safety standards (BRC, HACCP).
- Budget & Commercial Management: Own the transport budget, including cost control, forecasting, fuel and asset procurement, and providing route/customer pricing insights to the commercial team.
- Partner & Subcontractor Management: Procure, negotiate with, and hold third-party hauliers to the same high operational and service benchmarks as the internal fleet.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and roll out initiatives across route planning, technology adoption, fuel efficiency, and fleet maintenance to drive down operational costs.
- Team Development & Operational Continuity: Directly manage and support the Transport Manager, oversee succession planning and recruitment, and maintain 24/7 on-call contingency and business continuity plans.
What We Are Looking For
Essential:
- Proven experience managing subcontracted haulage/third-party logistics providers alongside an internal fleet.
- Demonstrable track record in commercial negotiation, financial forecasting, and departmental budget management.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience communicating with Senior Leadership Teams, clients, and regulatory authorities.
- High level of attention to detail with excellent planning, organizational, and leadership capabilities.
- Self-motivated, proactive mindset with a drive for continuous operational improvement.
Desirable:
- Proven track record in a senior transport or logistics leadership role.
- Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
- Familiarity with temperature-controlled logistics, food distribution, Food Hygiene/HACCP, and BRC standards.
- IOSH Managing Safely or relevant health and safety qualification.
Why Join Us?
- Play a central, visible role within the senior operations team shaping the future logistics model.
- Autonomy to design continuous improvement and efficiency projects.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Work Location: In person
