Operations/Transport Manager in Bognor Regis

Experienced operational support to help a specialist transport business run smoothly today and scale for tomorrow.

Paul Mathew Transport Limited is a specialist entertainment and production transport company, providing trailer logistics and haulage services to some of the UK's most prestigious theatre, sports, arts, and live events clients. Paul Mathew Transport is growing, and with that growth come a larger fleet, more complex schedules, and higher expectations from our clients. This role exists to give the transport management team the dedicated, experienced support it needs to handle that scale with confidence.

Reporting to the Transport Manager, you will take ownership of day-to-day operations and lead the improvement and automation projects that prepare the business for its next phase of growth. You will work closely alongside the Transport Manager and the wider team, playing a central role in how we operate, improve, and expand.

• Day-to-day management of a team of 40 professional drivers, providing clear direction, support, and performance oversight.
• Foster a high-performance, safety-first team culture grounded in mutual respect and accountability.
• Conduct regular driver briefings, performance reviews, and one-to-one meetings.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new drivers as the team grows.
• Champion and enforce health and safety standards across all transport operations.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant transport legislation, including drivers' hours, tachograph regulations, and vehicle roadworthiness requirements.
• Conduct and review risk assessments, incident reports, and near-miss investigations.
• Liaise with relevant regulatory bodies as required.
• Oversee the planning and execution of a demanding daily schedule across a 40-truck, 160-trailer fleet, ensuring on-time, efficient delivery across a wide geographic network.
• Apply strong geographic knowledge to optimise routing, reduce mileage, and resolve logistics challenges in real time.
• Coordinate with clients, venues, and production teams to ensure seamless delivery of service.
• Maintain accurate operational records and ensure data integrity across transport management systems.
• Provide cover for the Transport Manager during periods of leave or absence, maintaining continuity of service and compliance.
• Provide weekend and out-of-hours on-call cover as part of a shared rota, responding to urgent operational issues outside normal working hours.
• Lead and deliver operational improvement projects, identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical solutions.
• Document processes and build scalable standard operating procedures as the business grows.
• Define, track, and report on operational KPIs, using data to guide continuous improvement.
• Work with the Transport Manager to evaluate and implement transport management software and related technologies.
• Drive the adoption of automation tools and digital systems to streamline scheduling, reporting, and communication.
• Support the business in preparing for significant volume growth, ensuring operational infrastructure, people, and processes scale accordingly.
• Identify partnership, subcontractor, and capacity opportunities that support growth ambitions.
• Help build the operational systems, management capacity, and ways of working needed to support a larger, multi-site, and increasingly international operation.
• Support the preparation of quotes and tenders, and help build strong, lasting relationships with clients.

Proven experience in the transportation and haulage industry, with a solid understanding of how fleet and driver operations work at scale. Thorough knowledge of UK transport legislation, including drivers' hours rules, the Working Time Directive, and roadworthiness obligations. Hands-on experience of operating under an Operator's Licence and maintaining its undertakings and compliance systems, ideally including a Standard International licence and cross-border European operations. Strong working knowledge of health and safety in a transport environment, with a track record of owning H&S standards, risk assessments, and incident investigations. Demonstrable experience leading or contributing to operational improvement projects. Proven project management experience, with the ability to plan, run, and deliver projects on time and to a defined scope alongside day-to-day operational responsibilities. Demonstrable experience using and implementing automation, digital tools, and transport technology to improve operational efficiency and reporting. Willingness to work some weekends and provide out-of-hours on-call cover as part of a shared rota. Right to work in the UK, and willingness to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Holds a current HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) driving licence. Educated to degree level, or holding an equivalent professional qualification, ideally in logistics, supply chain, business, or a related discipline (not essential, but an advantage). Experience with transport management systems or fleet software. A formal health and safety qualification, such as IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH. A recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, APM, or PMP. Experience of working with companies in a period of significant growth or transformation. Familiarity with new market entry, tendering, or business development processes.

Paul Mathew Transport Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly, and to providing a workplace free from discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. At least one reference should be from a recent direct line manager or employer within the transport or haulage industry. All successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK and to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to any offer of employment being confirmed.

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining Paul Mathew Transport.