At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise transport operations for a busy logistics team.
- Company: Join the Lockwood Group, a family-owned business with over 400 employees.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a growing company with ambitious plans for the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Transport Manager CPC qualification and strong leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
About us
Established in 1965, the Lockwood Group of Companies is a successful, family‑owned business employing over 400 people across multiple UK locations.
Our operations include transport, warehousing, distribution, frozen food production and co‑packing solutions.
Following continued growth and recent acquisitions, we are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Transport Manager to lead our transport operation at S&R Smith & Son in Grays, Essex.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious transport professional to take ownership of a busy operation, lead an experienced planning team and play a key role in driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction and profitability.
Working closely with our Group Transport Manager and wider operational teams, you’ll have the autonomy to influence performance, improve efficiencies and help shape the future of our Essex operation.
- Remuneration
- Competitive salary of £40,000–£45,000, depending on experience
- Company Vehicle
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily planning function at the Smiths site, ensuring all transport activities are planned efficiently and profitably.
- Provide leadership and direction to transport planners.
- Review and challenge daily transport plans to maximise vehicle utilisation and minimise empty running.
- Ensure routes are planned in the most cost‑effective manner whilst maintaining customer service commitments.
- Manage fleet availability, resource allocation and subcontractor utilisation.
- Lead daily transport reviews and identify operational risks and improvement opportunities.
- Develop and maintain strong operational relationships with the Warehouse and Cross‑Dock teams – the Transport Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless coordination between transport, warehousing, and cross‑dock operations to achieve shared operational objectives.
- Work collaboratively with Warehouse and Cross‑Dock management to align priorities, improve communication, and ensure all operational functions work cohesively to maximise service performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Proactively identify and resolve operational issues that impact the end‑to‑end supply chain, fostering a "one team" approach across all site operations.
- Leadership
- Lead the day‑to‑day running of the Smiths transport operation.
- Directly manage and support the Smiths planning team.
- Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.
- Identify training needs and support development of drivers, planners and transport staff.
- Ensure maintenance schedules are planned and actioned in conjunction with the Fleet Maintenance team.
- Transport Performance
- Monitor transport profitability through effective utilisation of vehicles and drivers.
- Analyse transport KPIs including utilisation, empty mileage, on‑time delivery and subcontractor spend.
- Control agency driver and subcontractor costs.
- Produce regular transport performance reports and implement improvement plans.
- Compliance
- Support compliance with Operator Licence undertakings.
- Ensure adherence to Drivers' Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive.
- Monitor driver infringements and implement corrective actions.
- Support DVSA, FORS and internal compliance audits.
- Promote a strong safety culture throughout the operation.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about transport operations and enjoys leading people in a fast‑paced logistics environment.
You’ll ideally have
- A valid Transport Manager CPC qualification.
- Previous experience managing a transport operation or working in a senior transport planning or supervisory role.
- Strong leadership experience with the ability to motivate, coach and develop teams.
- Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to balance customer service with operational efficiency and profitability.
- Sound knowledge of UK transport legislation, Operator Licence compliance and industry best practice.
- Experience analysing KPIs and using data to improve operational performance.
- Strong IT skills, including Transport Management Systems, telematics and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make confident decisions under pressure.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure, maintaining focus on outcomes and customer service.
Ready for your next challenge?
If you’re an experienced Transport Manager looking for an opportunity where you can genuinely influence performance, lead a successful team and become part of a growing business with ambitious plans for the future, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and join Lockwood Group of Companies as we continue to invest in our people, our fleet and our future.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Manager in Grays
✨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 Lockwood Group Ltd.
✨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 Lockwood Group Ltd. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Manager in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Lockwood Group Ltd, 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 Lockwood Group Ltd 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 Lockwood Group Ltd. 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 Lockwood Group Ltd
✨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 Lockwood Group Ltd.
✨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 Lockwood Group Ltd.
