At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transport operations and inspire teams in a dynamic logistics environment.
- Company: Join Gist, a progressive logistics company partnered with M&S.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% M&S discount, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on safety, wellbeing, and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, evolving operation.
- Qualifications: Proven transport leadership experience and CPC certification required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working in partnership with M&S, at Gist we deliver industry-leading logistics and supply chain transformation. We value, celebrate, and believe in the power of individuality and strive to create a work environment where everyone can be themselves. We want you to join us, bring your authentic self to work and unlock your full potential. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven Transport Operations Manager to step into a senior leadership role at a pivotal time, as we prepare to move into our newest distribution centre in Avonmouth, leading large teams, managing complexity and helping shape a growing, evolving operation within a fast‑paced FMCG or retail environment.
This role is ideally suited to a proven transport leader with union experience gained within FMCG or retail logistics, supply chain or distribution environments.
What’s in it for you? Gist is an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and evolving business built on our core values. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for Gist just that little bit more special:
- 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
- Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
- 25 days annual leave (rising with length of service)
- Private Medical Healthcare
- Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
- Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
- Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
- Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
- A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
- Cycle to work scheme
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working pattern: Days - Tuesday to Saturday | 08:00 AM to 16:00 PM
Location: Gist Limited, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 3UT
What you’ll do:
- Accountable and inspiring of Gist safety initiatives at local site level
- Manage safety and compliance breaches appropriately
- Improving AVDA performance
- Work alongside the engineering manager to ensure all operational fleet is safe and legal
- Development of shift managers, through IDPs and coaching
- Driving positive change and engaging culture, bringing to life the Gist values
- Accountable for Operational excellence i.e. cost and service including Peak planning/deliver
- Accountable for Legal o-license compliance (on O License)
- Conduct Investigations into non-compliance and regular checks to ensure standards are being maintained
- Ownership of continuous improvement initiatives and controllable costs
Who you are:
- Proven experience operating at Transport Operations Manager level (or equivalent) within a large‑scale, fast‑paced transport or distribution operation (essential)
- Holder of a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) (essential), with demonstrable experience of being named on an Operator’s Licence and maintaining full legal compliance
- Demonstrable experience leading a transport function with end‑to‑end accountability for performance, compliance and service delivery (essential)
- Significant experience working in a high‑volume, heavily unionised environment, with the ability to build credible relationships and drive performance through engagement and effective stakeholder management (essential)
- Strong operational leadership capability, with the ability to manage complexity, make sound decisions and maintain performance under pressure
- Experience of working within a growing, evolving or newly invested operation, with the capability to embed structure, consistency and transport best practice
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across shifts and functions, promoting a one‑team culture and consistent ways of working
- Strong working knowledge of transport legislation, compliance and safety standards, including driver hours, vehicle standards and Operator’s Licence requirements
Why Gist? At Gist we are united by our core values; with safety and people at the heart of everything we do, we are progressive, accountable, collaborative, and ethical. Our objective is to establish a performance‑focused environment that is fair and inclusive, where everyone can develop, and connect meaningfully to their manager, the Gist vision, and M&S. We are fiercely protective of everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing, and align firmly to M&S’s sustainability commitments in Plan A. Gist will play an integral part in the M&S journey as it pushes boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring era. As part of the M&S group, there’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Join us and make an immediate impact.
Gist aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment. If it’s meaningful to you, it’s important to us.
Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.
Transport Operations Manager in Bristol employer: Gist Limited
Gist is an exceptional employer that champions individuality and inclusivity, creating a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, Gist offers generous benefits such as a 20% M&S discount, private medical healthcare, and extensive training opportunities to support personal and professional growth. Located in Avonmouth, this role provides the chance to lead a pivotal operation within a fast-paced FMCG environment, making a meaningful impact while being part of a progressive and ethical organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Operations Manager in Bristol
✨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 Gist Limited.
✨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 Gist Limited. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Operations Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Gist Limited, 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 Gist Limited 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 Gist Limited. 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 Gist Limited
✨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 Gist Limited.
✨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 Gist Limited.
