Transport Manager in Colchester, Essex

Job Description

Transport Compliance Manager

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Transport Compliance Manager to oversee regulatory compliance, operational performance and team leadership within a busy commercial transport environment.

This is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring the transport function operates legally, safely and efficiently, while developing a strong culture of compliance and accountability across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance and Operator Standards across site.

Operator Licence Oversight:

• Act as the designated CPC holder.
• Ensure full compliance with Traffic Commissioner and DVSA requirements.
• Protect the integrity of the Operator’s Licence at all times.

Accreditation and Audit Management:

• Maintain and enhance industry accreditation standards, including FORS or equivalent.
• Lead internal and external audits to retain recognised compliance standards.
• Support the business in working towards best-practice frameworks such as Earned Recognition.

Drivers’ Hours and Working Time Compliance:

• Oversee tachograph analysis and infringement management.
• Ensure strict adherence to UK and EU drivers’ hours legislation.
• Maintain compliance with the Road Transport Working Time Directive.

Safe Systems and Risk Management:

• Develop, implement and regularly review risk assessments.
• Create and maintain Safe Systems of Work across transport, yard and loading operations.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective measures.

Health and Safety Leadership:

• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the transport operation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation and internal standards.
• Promote safe working practices among employees and drivers.

Team Leadership and Culture

Culture and Engagement:

• Promote an open, accountable and safety-focused working environment.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration between operational teams and drivers.

Performance Management:

• Conduct regular employee performance reviews.
• Manage attendance, capability and performance concerns.
• Handle disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with company procedures.

Training and Development:

• Identify individual and team development requirements.
• Coordinate periodic CPC training.
• Deliver targeted toolbox talks based on compliance trends and infringement data.

Driver Wellbeing and Fatigue Management:

• Develop work schedules that prioritise driver wellbeing.
• Identify and manage fatigue-related risks.
• Ensure operational requirements remain safe and sustainable.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Operational KPIs:

• Monitor and report on key transport performance indicators.
• Track fuel performance, on-time delivery, vehicle utilisation and downtime.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance and efficiency.

Senior Leadership Reporting:

• Prepare and present compliance, operational and financial reports.
• Provide senior management with clear updates on performance, risk and improvement activity.

Infringement Control:

• Monitor driver performance and compliance data.
• Identify recurring infringements or performance concerns.
• Implement corrective training and action plans where required.

Policy and Governance

Transport Policies and Procedures:

• Develop, review and enforce transport policies and procedures.
• Ensure robust processes are in place for defect reporting, accidents, drug and alcohol compliance and operational best practice.

Audit and Record Management:

• Maintain accurate and audit-ready records.
• Oversee documentation relating to vehicle maintenance, drivers’ hours, training and transport compliance.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Valid Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence – essential
• Minimum five years’ experience within a transport management position
• Strong knowledge of drivers’ hours, tachograph legislation and Working Time Regulations
• Comprehensive understanding of UK road transport legislation
• Experience within general haulage and/or palletised distribution networks
• Strong commercial awareness
• Sound knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
• IOSH qualification – desirable
• Strong leadership, communication and performance-management skills