At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee live transport operations, manage vehicle movements, and ensure timely deliveries.
- Company: Join a leading transport company with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic late shift role with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be the key player in ensuring smooth transport operations and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport operations and strong decision-making skills required.
Position Details
- Department: Transport Operations
- Reports To: Transport Manager / Planning Manager
- Location: Bardon Depot (LE67)
- Salary: £32,000 – £36,000 per annum
- Shift Pattern: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, Late Shift (typically 11:30–20:30), with weekend cover as required by the transport planning rota
Job Purpose
Take full ownership of live transport operations during the late shift, controlling vehicle movements, driver allocations, and real-time route changes to ensure on-time delivery and collection performance. As the primary out-of-hours point of contact for drivers, depot staff, and customers, you will manage operational exceptions, monitor fleet tracking via Qargo and Samsara, enforce full regulatory compliance (Operator Licence & DVSA), and deliver accurate shift handovers to maintain operational continuity.
Key Responsibilities
Live Operations & Route Control
- Monitor fleet movements, driver progress, and ETAs in real time using Qargo and Samsara.
- Proactively re-route vehicles, adjust driver assignments, and respond to traffic delays, road closures, or breakdowns.
- Plan late-notice loads, multi-drop routes, and backloads to maximize vehicle utilization and eliminate empty running.
- Instruct drivers on site loading and tipping procedures for rigids and trailers at the Premier depot.
- Liaise with warehouse and site teams regarding bay allocation, load status, and late loading.
Sub-Contracting & Coverage
- Source extra cover via load-matching platforms (Haulage Exchange & Haulage Hub) to protect delivery schedules.
- Organize relief or agency drivers to cover late-shift resource shortfalls.
Driver Management & Compliance
- Conduct structured driver briefings and debriefs using the Driver Briefing & Debrief Record Form.
- Issue correct delivery documentation and instructions prior to vehicle departure.
- Monitor Drivers' Hours and Working Time Directive (WTD) compliance; flag threshold limits to the Planning Team.
- Support Driver CPC and driving licence verification processes.
- Maintain precise operational records required for Operator Licence audit standards and DVSA compliance checks.
Maintenance, Defects & Escalations
- Manage vehicle breakdowns by arranging swift repair or recovery.
- Handle reported defects and execute vehicle swaps for Off-Road (VOR) units.
- Coordinate with the fleet manager to present vehicles/trailers for scheduled PMIs and MOTs.
- Escalate severe operational, safety, or compliance issues to the Transport Manager or On-Call Manager immediately.
Reporting & Shift Continuity
- Provide detailed shift handovers to the incoming controller covering live issues, outstanding jobs, and vehicle status.
- Report daily pallet counts for next-day and economy incoming collections.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Experience: Proven track record in a busy transport office (Planner or Controller background), ideally with late-shift or out-of-hours experience.
- Systems: Working knowledge of transport management and tracking software (e.g., Qargo, Samsara) and defect reporting tools (e.g., Driver I).
- Freight Networks: Familiarity with sub-contracting tools like Haulage Exchange and Haulage Hub.
- Compliance: Clear understanding of Drivers' Hours, WTD, tachographs, DVSA standards, and Operator Licence obligations.
- Key Skills: Strong autonomous decision-making under pressure, excellent verbal/written communication, numerical accuracy, and dynamic problem-solving.
Transport Controller employer: IGB Group
As a Warehouse Manager at our Sunderland facility, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement. We offer a competitive salary, fixed daytime hours, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities. With a strong focus on health and safety, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including a pension scheme and life assurance, we strive to create a rewarding environment for all our employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Controller
✨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 IGB Group.
✨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 IGB Group. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at IGB Group, 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 IGB Group 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 IGB Group. 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 IGB Group
✨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 IGB Group.
✨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 IGB Group.
