Transport Manager in Tilbury

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

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.