At a Glance
- Tasks: Join as a Transport Administrator, mastering freight forwarding and planning.
- Company: A growing, independent freight forwarder with a friendly, can-do culture.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £24,000pa with guaranteed annual pay rises and career progression.
- Other info: Structured 2-3 year development path to become a Transport Manager.
- Why this job: Build your career from the ground up with real opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: No logistics experience needed; just bring your positive attitude and self-starter mindset.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Our partner is a growing, independent freight forwarder based in Harrogate who provide UK and European freight, logistics and customs clearance for a wide range of clients. Their consignments range from steel and solar panels to pumpkins and coffee, so no two days look the same!
Reporting directly to the business founders, who between them bring over a decade of hands-on freight forwarding experience and a genuinely friendly, can-do approach to the business. They are a small, ambitious team and they're growing fast, which means real opportunity for the right person to grow with them.
This is a genuine career-builder, not just a job. You'll join us as a Transport Administrator, learning the ropes of freight forwarding from the ground up - processing paperwork and PODs, coordinating with subcontractors and hauliers, supporting invoicing, and getting hands-on exposure to consignment planning alongside the Operations and Account Management team.
Over the next 2–3 years, they will structure your development so you grow into a Transport Manager role and you'll be mentored by people who've built this business from scratch and want to help you build your career in it.
Indicative development path:- Year 1 – Master the admin, paperwork and systems that keep freight moving; build relationships with subcontractors and hauliers; learn how a forwarding operation really works.
- Year 2 – Take on more responsibility for planning and supplier relationships further developing your skills and knowledge base as you go.
- Year 3 – Step into Transport Manager responsibilities with your own portfolio of clients and subcontractors.
We're looking for someone early in their career who wants to build something, not just clock in. You might be a recent graduate, or you might have 2–3 years' experience in an administrative or customer service role and be looking for a step up with real progression attached.
You'll be a strong fit if you are:
- A self-starter - someone who gets on with things and doesn't need micromanaging
- Detail-focused - in freight and customs, small errors cause big problems, so accuracy matters
- Resilient - things change fast in logistics, and you'll need to stay calm when they do
- Quick on your feet - able to think through a problem and find a solution when a load, client or subcontractor needs sorting out now
- A confident communicator - comfortable on the phone and over email with subcontractors, hauliers and clients
No logistics experience is required, our partner will teach you the industry. What they can't teach is attitude, and that's what we're hiring for.
What You'll Get:- A starting salary of £24,000pa with a guaranteed £2,000 pay rise every year as you progress through the programme
- A clear, structured 2–3 year career path from Transport Administrator to Transport Manager
- The chance to genuinely grow with an ambitious, expanding independent freight forwarder
Click the link below to apply for this role, or call Simon Gregory at GPS Return to apply by phone.
Transport Administrator (Future Transport Manager) in Harrogate employer: GPS Return
Join a dynamic and supportive team at our independent freight forwarder in Harrogate, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. With a strong focus on employee development, you'll receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced founders, ensuring your growth into a Transport Manager role within a thriving business. Enjoy a friendly work culture that values ambition and collaboration, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful career advancement in the logistics sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Administrator (Future Transport Manager) in Harrogate
✨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 GPS Return.
✨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 GPS Return. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Administrator (Future Transport Manager) in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at GPS Return, 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 GPS Return 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 GPS Return. 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 GPS Return
✨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 GPS Return.
✨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 GPS Return.
