At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic night shift transport team, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Company: Join Gist, part of the M&S Group, shaping the future of food logistics.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 20% M&S discount, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food. From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time. As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.
We're looking for a Transport Shift Manager to join our Faversham Transport team on a permanent night shift. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll take ownership of a busy transport operation, leading a team of drivers and ensuring every shift is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. Reporting to the Transport Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for driving operational performance, developing your team and creating a positive culture where people are supported, challenged and held accountable. You'll be confident making decisions, tackling difficult conversations when needed and ensuring our operation continues to deliver for our customer.
Role details:
- Salary: up to £48,700 DOE
- Hours: 40.25 hours per week
- Working Pattern: Nights – 4 on 4 off
- Shift Times: 7:30pm – 6:30am
- Location: Faversham- ME13 7TW
What you’ll be doing
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Leading the night shift transport operation to ensure safe, efficient and compliant delivery of all transport activities.
- Managing, coaching and developing a large team of drivers, creating a culture of accountability, engagement and high performance.
- Taking ownership of recruitment, inductions, absence management, wellbeing conversations, performance reviews and employee relations matters including investigations, disciplinaries and grievances.
- Monitoring operational performance and delivering key transport KPIs across service, safety, compliance and cost.
- Planning resources effectively to meet changing operational demands while maintaining excellent customer service.
- Leading daily team briefings and ensuring clear communication across the transport operation.
- Working closely with colleagues across Transport, Warehouse and Planning to ensure a seamless operation.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency and team performance.
What we’re looking for
You’ll be an experienced transport leader who enjoys developing people and delivering results in a fast‑paced logistics environment. Your skills and experience will include:
- Essential: Previous management experience within a transport operation.
- Essential: Strong knowledge of transport operations within an FMCG or logistics environment.
- Experience managing large teams and creating a positive, high‑performing culture.
- Confidence handling performance management, employee relations and difficult conversations.
- Strong communication and decision‑making skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- An analytical approach with the ability to identify opportunities to improve operational performance.
- Flexibility to support alternative shift patterns in the future if required.
- Desirable: Transport Manager CPC qualification (or willingness to work towards one).
- Desirable: Previous experience working with Trade Unions.
What’s in it for you?
As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:
- 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
- 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
Why Gist?
When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group. You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains. Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow. Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.
Our commitment to inclusion
At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.
Transport Shift Manager Nights in Swanley employer: Gist
At Gist, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where individuality is celebrated. Our Class 1 drivers enjoy competitive pay, modern equipment, and a range of benefits including a generous staff discount at M&S, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package. Located in Carlisle, we provide stable work with fixed rest days, ensuring our team can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Shift Manager Nights in Swanley
✨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.
✨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. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Shift Manager Nights in Swanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Gist, 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 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. 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
✨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.
✨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.
