At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage transport operations, ensuring efficient and safe delivery services.
- Company: Dynamic logistics company focused on distribution and palletised freight.
- Benefits: Make a real impact, work with a supportive team, and develop your career.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape processes and drive performance in logistics.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a key department in a hands-on environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Hexagon Recruitment Partners is working on behalf of a dynamic and rapidly expanding logistics company specialising in distribution and palletised freight. They are seeking an experienced, proactive Transport Manager to join the team and take ownership of the transport operation with a strong hands-on focus.
About the Role
As Transport Manager, you will lead the transport function, ensuring safe, efficient and profitable operation of distribution and pallet delivery services. You will be actively involved in day-to-day operations — not just overseeing, but rolling your sleeves up as part of the team. From driver management, scheduling, vehicle maintenance, to warehouse interface and pallet logistics – you’ll have oversight and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop the driver team (HGV and light goods) to achieve performance, compliance and service standards.
- Manage daily scheduling and routing of vehicles for distribution and palletised freight, ensuring timely deliveries and cost-efficient operation.
- Monitor key metrics such as delivery performance, fleet utilisation, fuel costs, driver hours, and pallet loads.
- Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, DVSA requirements, operator licence obligations, drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
- Oversee vehicle maintenance, servicing and breakdown response- ensuring minimal downtime for the pallet & distribution fleet.
- Work closely with warehouse, operations and customer service teams to coordinate dispatches, load planning and vehicle turnaround – bridging transport and terminal.
- Be a visible, hands-on presence: support loading/unloading pallet shipments, monitor depot operations, engage with drivers on the ground, handle transport issues as they arise.
- Assist in budgeting, cost control and continuous improvement initiatives within the transport department.
- Manage subcontractor and third-party haulier relationships where applicable, ensuring service delivery and cost control.
- Drive safety culture, toolbox talks, risk assessments and transport audits to maintain high standards of health & safety and service reliability.
Requirements
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Proven experience in a transport management role, ideally within a distribution or pallet-delivery environment.
- Solid understanding of fleet operations, routing, pallet logistics, and distribution scheduling.
- Demonstrable hands-on leadership style, comfortable working in the yard, warehouse or with drivers when needed.
- Strong operational mindset, with ability to balance tactical issues and strategic planning.
- Sound knowledge of transport legislation, driver hours, tachographs and operator compliance.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – able to engage across the business from drivers to senior management.
- Proficient with MS Office suite and transport/fleet management systems.
- Full UK driving licence (clean record desirable).
Desirable:
- Experience using transport management systems (TMS) or warehouse management interfaces.
- Worked with pallet networks or third-party warehouse interfaces.
- Previous experience managing a mixed fleet.
- Qualification in transport management or equivalent (e.g., CPC, Transport Manager Certificate).
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised, strong attention to detail, and a proactive problem-solver.
- Resilient under pressure with a “get things done” attitude.
- Personable and approachable – capable of leading from the front and earning respect at all levels.
- Committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence and performance-driven culture.
- Flexible mindset – willing to engage in hands-on tasks and adapt to changing operational needs.
Benefits
What’s in it for You? Join a growing logistics business where you can make a real impact. Take ownership of a key department in a pragmatic, hands-on environment. Work with a supportive team, modern fleet and established distribution/pallet operation. Ability to shape and improve transport processes, drive performance and develop your career in logistics.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your transport career, apply today with Hexagon Recruitment Partners. Send your CV and a short covering note highlighting your distribution / pallet experience.
Locations
Transport Manager (Hiring Immediately) in Essex, Tilbury employer: Hexagon Recruitment Partners Ltd
Hexagon Recruitment Partners offers an exceptional opportunity for a Transport Manager to thrive in a dynamic logistics environment. With a strong emphasis on hands-on leadership and team collaboration, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and operational excellence. The company fosters career growth through continuous improvement initiatives and the chance to make a tangible impact within a rapidly expanding organisation.
Contact Detail:
Hexagon Recruitment Partners Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Manager (Hiring Immediately) in Essex, Tilbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent projects. This way, when you walk into that interview, you can show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application. It’s all about making connections and showing you’re keen!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Transport Manager. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re professional and genuinely interested in the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Manager (Hiring Immediately) in Essex, Tilbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transport Manager role. Highlight your experience in logistics, fleet operations, and any hands-on leadership you've done. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills in transport legislation, driver management, and operational excellence. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see that in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hexagon Recruitment Partners Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transport legislation, fleet operations, and pallet logistics. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a manager but someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the role.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
Since this role requires a proactive, hands-on style, be prepared to share examples of when you've rolled up your sleeves in previous positions. Highlight specific situations where you’ve engaged directly with drivers or tackled operational challenges head-on.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think of instances where you've successfully led a team, especially in a transport or logistics setting. Discuss how you coach and develop your team to meet performance standards, as this is crucial for the Transport Manager role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company’s current transport operations or their future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
