At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire transport operations, ensuring safety and compliance while driving performance.
- Company: Join Gist, a dynamic logistics company partnered with M&S, celebrating individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a generous M&S discount.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport operations in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in transport management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 54000 € 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 take a senior leadership role within a fast‑moving FMCG or retail transport operation, leading large teams, managing complexity and helping shape a growing and evolving site. 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?
- 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
Salary: £50,000 to £54,000 (DOE) + Shift Allowance
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working pattern: Backs - Any 5 from 7 | 14:00 to 22:00 - Monday to Friday | Tuesday to Saturday (A level of flexibility is expected to ensure effective operational coverage)
Location: Gist Limited, Thatcham, RG19 4BQ
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
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.
Transport Operations Manager in Thatcham employer: Gist Limited
At Gist, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer that values individuality and fosters a supportive work environment. As a Transport Operations Manager in Thatcham, you'll benefit from competitive pay, generous annual leave, and a range of perks including a 20% M&S discount and private medical healthcare, all while leading a passionate team in a fast-paced logistics setting that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Operations Manager in Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport and logistics industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gist and M&S thoroughly. Understand their values, recent news, and how they operate. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams, managed compliance, or driven change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Gist and ready to bring your authentic self to work!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Operations Manager in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the Transport Operations Manager role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in transport operations, especially in FMCG or retail environments. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Transport Operations Manager, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your operational leadership capabilities and how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance in previous roles. We want to know how you inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gist Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transport legislation, compliance, and safety standards. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader who understands the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where you drove performance through engagement and collaboration. This will demonstrate your operational leadership capability and your fit for the role.
✨Understand Gist's Values
Familiarise yourself with Gist's core values and be ready to discuss how you can embody them in your work. Showing that you align with their culture of individuality and inclusivity will make you stand out as a candidate who truly fits into their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company’s future plans, especially regarding safety initiatives and continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Gist is the right fit for you too.
