At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and fleet management for a busy transport operation.
- Company: Join Panda, a leading resource recovery business with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on road safety and fleet performance while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport compliance and strong organisational skills required.
Location: Sheffield
Department: Transport
Reporting to: UK Fleet Manager
Responsible for: Workshop Technicians
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Transport Manager to support our UK fleet operation and help ensure we remain fully compliant, safe and operationally effective. This is a key compliance and fleet management role, working closely with the UK Fleet Manager to ensure our Operator Licence obligations, DVSA requirements, vehicle maintenance standards, driver hours, working time rules and fleet risk processes are managed effectively. As Transport Manager, you will act as a named Transport Manager on the Company Vehicle Operator’s Licence and play a lead role in driver compliance, fleet risk, road safety, vehicle maintenance governance and operational reporting. The role would suit someone with strong transport compliance knowledge, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work closely with drivers, workshop teams, traffic planners, senior managers and external suppliers.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting the UK Fleet Manager to ensure full compliance with DVSA regulations and Operator Licence undertakings
- Acting as a named Transport Manager on the Company Vehicle Operator’s Licence
- Monitoring EU Drivers’ Hours rules and Working Time Regulations for mobile workers
- Managing tachograph infringements in line with company policy and ensuring accurate records are maintained
- Ensuring vehicles are serviced, inspected and maintained to a high standard
- Managing vehicle maintenance contracts and ensuring they remain up to date
- Leading on driver compliance, fleet risk, road safety and related business procedures
- Ensuring weekly vehicle gate checks are completed in line with standard operating procedures
- Making sure defects identified through gate checks are rectified and driver coaching is provided where required
- Producing monthly governance reports for the UK Fleet Manager on driver compliance and vehicle maintenance compliance
- Managing Earned Recognition KPIs, ensuring data is accurate and issues are addressed before upload to the DVSA
- Presenting daily VOR information to traffic planners, department heads and senior management
- Tracking VOR reasons, length of downtime and expected repair dates
- Ensuring vehicle servicing is completed in line with manufacturer service intervals
- Ensuring LOLER inspections and tachograph calibration requirements are completed within legislative timescales
- Collating and monitoring driver tachograph information through approved analysis software
- Producing monthly driver hours and tachograph reports
- Keeping Regional Fleet Managers and Service Delivery Managers informed of any issues requiring action
- Ensuring transport and fleet employees complete relevant safety and LMS training on time
- Supporting the delivery of safety bulletins, toolbox talks and updates linked to the Group Driver Handbook
- Keeping drivers informed of changes to procedures, legislation, training requirements and company updates
- Arranging and leading driver meetings where required
- Investigating complaints and ensuring corrective actions and communication are completed promptly
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant transport legislation and regulations
- Working with Driver Trainers to monitor and support driver training, including Driver CPC
- Managing purchase order processes, checking invoices and ensuring correct authorisation for expenditure
- Completing weekly payroll on TMS accurately and in line with payroll deadlines
- Carrying out any other tasks appropriate to the role as requested by senior management
About You
You will need:
- Previous experience in a transport compliance, fleet management or Transport Manager role
- Strong understanding of Operator Licence requirements, DVSA regulations and transport legislation
- Knowledge of EU Drivers’ Hours, tachograph rules and Working Time Regulations for mobile workers
- Experience managing vehicle maintenance compliance, servicing schedules and inspection records
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to keep accurate records and manage deadlines
- Confidence using transport systems, tachograph analysis software and reporting tools
- A proactive approach to identifying issues, improving processes and reducing risk
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work with drivers, planners, workshop teams, managers and suppliers
- The ability to investigate issues, produce clear reports and follow through on corrective actions
- An approachable and professional style, with the ability to build positive working relationships
- Transport Manager CPC qualification would be strongly preferred
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who takes compliance seriously but also understands the operational realities of a busy transport environment. You will be organised, practical and confident holding standards, while also being approachable and able to bring drivers, workshop colleagues and managers with you. You will use data, systems and regular communication to improve driver behaviour, road risk, vehicle availability and overall fleet performance. This is a great opportunity for a capable Transport Manager to play an important role in supporting a safe, compliant and reliable UK fleet operation.
We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey. Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Manager
✨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 Panda.
✨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 Panda. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Panda, 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 Panda 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 Panda. 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 Panda
✨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 Panda.
✨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 Panda.
