Transport Manager CPC holder in Chelmsford

To ensure the safe, compliant and efficient operation of the company's transport fleet in accordance with Operator Licence requirements, DVSA regulations, Drivers' Hours legislation and company policies. The Transport Manager will be the nominated CPC holder and will be responsible for maintaining full compliance across the fleet, managing driver standards, recruitment and retention, and ensuring vehicles and drivers operate safely, legally and efficiently at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance Management
  • Manage, audit and review transport compliance systems to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current legislation.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document No. 3 – Transport Managers.
  • Implement and maintain effective fleet compliance procedures.
  • Monitor and review compliance performance, identifying and addressing any shortcomings.
  • Investigate and implement corrective actions following prohibitions, annual test failures or compliance concerns.
  • Ensure all relevant changes are notified in accordance with Operator Licence requirements.
  • Remain up to date with changes in transport legislation, industry guidance and regulatory requirements.
• Driver Administration & Compliance
  • Ensure all drivers hold the correct licence entitlement for the vehicles they operate.
  • Ensure non-GB licence holders comply with DVLA registration requirements.
  • Conduct and maintain regular driving licence checks:
  • Visual licence checks every 6 months.
  • Online licence checks every 3 months for drivers with up to 7 penalty points.
  • Monthly licence checks for drivers with 8 or more penalty points.
  • Ensure all drivers hold valid Driver CPC qualifications.
  • Ensure all drivers hold valid Digital Tachograph Cards where required.
  • Ensure tachograph card and vehicle unit downloads are completed within legal requirements.
  • Ensure Drivers' Hours records are retained for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Ensure Working Time Directive records are retained for a minimum of 24 months.
  • Ensure all records are available for inspection by enforcement agencies when required.
• Driver Management
  • Ensure full compliance with Drivers' Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive requirements.
  • Monitor driver infringements and implement appropriate corrective action.
  • Conduct driver debriefs, investigations and coaching where required.
  • Ensure drivers are adequately trained and competent to operate all vehicles and equipment.
  • Support disciplinary processes relating to compliance, conduct and performance issues.
  • Manage driver recruitment activities to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained.
  • Develop and maintain a reliable driver pool to support operational requirements.
  • Support driver retention initiatives and promote high standards of professionalism throughout the driver workforce.
  • Conduct driver inductions and ongoing compliance briefings.
• Driver Operations
  • Ensure driver defect reporting procedures are completed accurately and consistently.
  • Ensure reported defects are escalated and addressed appropriately.
  • Ensure drivers take the required daily and weekly rest periods and breaks in accordance with legislation.
  • Promote safe driving practices and route planning awareness.
  • Ensure drivers understand and mitigate operational risks including low bridges, weight restrictions and other route hazards.
• Vehicle Administration
  • Ensure vehicle maintenance records are retained for a minimum period of 15 months and are readily available upon request.
  • Ensure Operator Licence discs are valid, current and displayed correctly.
  • Ensure sufficient fleet contingency is maintained within authorised licence limits.
  • Ensure vehicle payload notifications, height indicators and statutory signage are correct and maintained.
  • Ensure tachograph calibrations are completed within statutory timescales.
  • Ensure valid insurance cover is maintained for all company vehicles and equipment.
  • Maintain and monitor a fleet maintenance planner covering:
  • Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMIs).
  • Annual Tests.
  • Tachograph calibrations.
  • Safety inspections.
  • Other statutory inspections and testing requirements.
• Vehicle Management
  • Ensure an effective maintenance regime is in place to maintain vehicles and trailers in a fit and roadworthy condition.
  • Ensure defects are properly recorded and rectified promptly.
  • Ensure vehicles and trailers deemed unroadworthy are removed from service immediately.
  • Ensure vehicles and trailers are presented for inspections, servicing, repairs and statutory testing within required timescales.
  • Ensure all safety inspections are completed within the Operator Licence maintenance schedule.
  • Liaise with maintenance providers, manufacturers, dealers, hire companies and internal departments to ensure fleet compliance is maintained.
  • Ensure all outsourced maintenance providers meet Operator Licence requirements and are subject to regular compliance review.
  • Protect company assets by ensuring adequate vehicle security measures are maintained.

Key Skills & Experience

• National CPC in Road Haulage Operations.
• Previous experience as a Transport Manager or Senior Transport Professional.
• Strong understanding of:
• Operator Licensing.
• Drivers' Hours Regulations.
• Working Time Directive.
• DVSA and Traffic Commissioner requirements.
• Fleet compliance and maintenance systems.
• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Experience managing driver compliance and performance.

Desirable

• Experience within container haulage operations.
• Experience working within multi-site transport operations.
• Knowledge of transport management, telematics and tachograph systems.
• ADR operational knowledge.

Performance Measures

• Operator Licence compliance.
• OCRS performance.
• MOT first-time pass rate.
• Driver infringement levels.
• Vehicle and trailer roadworthiness.
• Driver recruitment and retention.
• Driver compliance standards.
• Successful audit outcomes.
• Fleet downtime and availability.