Transport Manager in Chelmsford

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Transport Manager to take full responsibility for the management, compliance, and performance of our transport operation. This is a key leadership role within the business, responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of products to customers throughout the UK whilst maintaining the highest standards of legal compliance and customer service.

The successful candidate will oversee the company's transport fleet, drivers, transport planning, vehicle compliance, depot operations, and future transport expansion projects. The successful candidate will be the company's nominated Transport Manager and therefore must hold a valid Transport Manager CPC qualification. In addition to managing the existing operation, you will play an important role in the continued development of the company's distribution network. Experience in establishing, managing, and developing remote depots or satellite distribution centres is therefore essential.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, this role presents an excellent opportunity for an experienced transport professional to make a significant contribution to a well-established and growing business.

What to expect from us:

• A competitive salary of £40,000 - £50,000 plus participation in the company bonus scheme.
• Statutory pension and 25 Days holiday + Bank Holidays.
• Free onsite parking and company BBQs.

Key Responsibilities of the Transport Manager:

• Act as the company's nominated Transport Manager, ensuring full compliance with Operator Licence requirements, DVSA regulations, drivers' hours legislation, tachograph regulations, and all relevant transport legislation.
• Manage transport operation, fleet utilisation, route planning, vehicle maintenance, transport costs, & delivery performance.
• Take overall responsibility for the execution of all transport plans, ensuring transport and network SLA's and KPI's are consistently achieved.
• Lead, develop, and manage drivers and transport staff, including recruitment, training, performance management, compliance monitoring, and employee engagement.
• Act as the focal point of the transport operation, promoting high levels of communication, motivation, wellbeing, and performance through regular performance reviews, scheduled one-to-ones, and day-to-day engagement.
• Manage disciplinary, absence, and grievance matters in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure all vehicles remain roadworthy, compliant, and maintained to the highest standards through effective management of inspections, servicing, MOTs, and defect reporting procedures.
• Monitor transport KPIs, investigate incidents and service failures, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and work closely with warehouse and customer service teams to ensure excellent customer service.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and the sharing of ideas and best practice.
• Lead the development and management of remote depots, ensuring consistent operational standards, compliance, service levels, and effective oversight across multiple locations.
• Support future depot expansion projects, identifying opportunities for growth and implementing scalable transport solutions to meet changing business requirements.
• Provide support and deputise for the Head of Operations when required to meet business and operational needs.

Skills & Experience:

• Valid Transport Manager CPC Qualification is essential.
• Proven experience as a Transport Manager or senior transport professional within a logistics, distribution, or fleet operation.
• Strong knowledge of Operator Licence compliance, DVSA requirements, drivers' hours regulations, Working Time Directive legislation, and transport compliance.
• Experience managing commercial vehicle fleets, maintenance programmes, transport budgets, & operational performance.
• Demonstrable experience establishing and managing remote depots or multi-site transport operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational, and analytical skills, with the ability to drive operational improvements through data and performance management.
• Experience within a fast-paced distribution, logistics, or supply chain environment.

About the Company:

With more than 50 years of experience, this respected family-run business with its Head Office in Colchester and Distribution Centre in Chelmsford has earned a strong reputation for supplying high-quality educational products to schools and colleges throughout the UK. Built on service, trust, and family values, the business continues to grow and modernise while offering a stable and rewarding environment for ambitious professionals looking to make a lasting contribution.

Interested? If you think you're right for this Transport Manager role, click Apply Now, send us your CV, and we'll consider you for the first round of interviews.