Transportation Operations Manager

Reports to: Warehouse & Distribution Director

Hours: Monday - Friday (days)

Job Purpose

The Transport Manager will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the company's transport operation, ensuring customer orders are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and in line with agreed service levels.

The role will oversee transport planning, delivery performance, carrier relationships, transport costs and operational compliance. The Transport Manager will lead and develop the transport planning team, ensuring resources are effectively utilised and transport operations remain aligned with customer and business requirements.

Working closely with Warehousing, Customer Service, Production Planning and Commercial teams, the Transport Manager will identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, customer service and cost performance.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations

• Manage the day-to-day transport operation to ensure deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time.
• Oversee the planning and scheduling of outbound deliveries.
• Ensure sufficient transport capacity is available to meet customer demand.
• Allocate transport to maximise service, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor daily transport schedules and proactively resolve operational issues.
• Ensure transport plans are delivered in line with customer requirements.
• Coordinate transport activities with warehouse, customer service and commercial teams.
• Escalate significant operational issues and implement appropriate corrective actions.

Delivery Performance & Customer Service

• Monitor and improve On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery performance.
• Investigate delivery failures and implement preventative actions.
• Manage transport-related customer escalations.
• Work closely with Customer Service and Sales to ensure customer delivery requirements are understood and achieved.
• Maintain a strong customer-focused approach throughout the transport operation.
• Identify opportunities to improve delivery performance and customer satisfaction.
• Manage relationships with external transport providers, carriers and logistics partners.
• Monitor carrier performance against agreed service levels.
• Ensure external providers meet agreed operational, safety and compliance standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve carrier performance and cost effectiveness.
• Support transport tendering and procurement activities where required.
• Develop strong and collaborative relationships with logistics partners.

Team Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the transport planning team.
• Provide coaching, support and regular performance feedback.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Identify training and development requirements.
• Manage attendance, holidays and employee performance.
• Ensure appropriate operational cover is maintained.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, customer service and continuous improvement.

Transport Costs & Commercial Performance

• Monitor transport expenditure and operational costs.
• Identify opportunities to reduce transport costs without compromising service levels.
• Monitor carrier performance against cost and service objectives.
• Ensure transport resources are used efficiently.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Monitor transport cost trends and operational performance.

Compliance, Safety & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant transport legislation and company procedures.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and operational discipline.
• Ensure transport providers operate within agreed compliance standards.
• Support investigations into transport incidents and near misses.
• Maintain accurate transport documentation and records.
• Support internal and external audits where required.
• Promote a strong safety culture across the transport operation.
• Identify opportunities to improve transport efficiency and service performance.
• Improve vehicle utilisation, load fill and route efficiency.
• Reduce failed deliveries and unnecessary transport costs.
• Support the implementation of transport systems and technology.
• Lead transport-focused improvement initiatives.
• Promote best practice across the transport operation.
• Work with wider logistics teams to deliver operational improvements.

Cross-Functional Working

• Work closely with Warehousing, Production Planning, Manufacturing, Customer Service and Commercial teams.
• Ensure transport priorities are aligned with wider business objectives.
• Participate in daily and weekly operational review meetings.
• Communicate operational issues, risks and service challenges effectively.
• Provide transport expertise to support operational decision-making.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience managing transport operations within a logistics, supply chain, FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of transport planning and distribution operations.
• Experience managing and developing operational teams.
• Experience managing third-party logistics providers and transport carriers.
• Strong understanding of delivery performance and customer service requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of transport cost drivers.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience within FMCG, food, beverage or high-volume manufacturing.
• Knowledge of UK transport legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience using SAP or other ERP systems.
• Experience using Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Experience in continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting logistics tenders and carrier procurement.

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