At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic transport team and ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Established organisation in Kent with a focus on growth and stability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000 and long-term career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Take charge of transport operations and make a real impact on efficiency and safety.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in transport management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and thrive in a role that values continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Transport Manager looking for a fast-paced, high-responsibility role within a busy operational environment? We are supporting a well-established organisation in Kent that is seeking a strong leader to take ownership of its transport operation, fleet performance, and compliance standards.
The Role
- Managing and supervising all transport staff, including drivers and agency personnel.
- Ensuring all deliveries, trunking routes, and internal material transfers are completed on-time-in-full.
- Overseeing daily departure times, route planning, and operational schedules.
- Monitoring and improving KPI performance across cost, safety, utilisation, and customer service.
- Ensuring full compliance with the Goods Vehicle Operator Licence and all statutory transport legislation.
- Managing tachograph, driver hours, Working Time Directive, licence checks, defect reporting, and DVSA readiness.
- Driving a strong Health and Safety culture, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, near-miss reporting, and incident investigation.
- Maintaining accurate accident, incident, and defect logs.
- Overseeing vehicle inspections, repairs, maintenance scheduling, and defect resolution.
- Managing external hauliers, recovery arrangements, and emergency assistance when required.
- Ensuring weighbridge, load security, and material handling procedures are followed precisely.
- Monitoring fuel usage, repair costs, and vehicle utilisation levels.
- Leading, coaching, and developing a multi-shift driver team.
- Conducting appraisals, disciplinaries, and performance reviews.
- Ensuring effective communication across shifts and delivering toolbox talks.
- Driving LEAN principles, reducing waste, and improving right-first-time delivery performance.
- Using data, KPIs, and discrepancy reports to identify improvement areas.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Transport Manager within a fast-paced logistics or distribution environment.
- Strong knowledge of transport compliance, legislation, and operator licence responsibilities.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- A proactive manager with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Strong understanding of Health and Safety, fleet management, routing, and POD processes.
- CPC qualification (National or International) is essential.
Benefits
- Salary up to £50,000
- Long-term career development within a stable organisation
If you’re a confident, hands-on Transport Manager looking for your next challenge in the Kent area, we’d love to hear from you.
Transport Manager in Kent employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport and logistics industry. Attend local events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or fellow professionals who might know of openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their fleet management practices and compliance standards. This will help you showcase your knowledge and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! We often have exclusive listings that might not be advertised elsewhere. Plus, it shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transport Manager role. Highlight your experience in logistics, compliance, and fleet management. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Share specific examples of your leadership and operational successes that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance is key in this role, be sure to mention your understanding of transport legislation and operator licence responsibilities. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge in this area!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Compliance Inside Out
As a Transport Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of transport compliance and legislation. Brush up on the Goods Vehicle Operator Licence requirements and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, conducted appraisals, and improved performance. Highlight any specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact on operations.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to transport management. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in cost, safety, and customer service. This will show that you can make informed decisions based on metrics.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about past challenges you've faced in transport management and how you resolved them. This will help you demonstrate your proactive approach and calmness in high-stress situations.