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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise transport operations across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Established road freight organisation with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a key leadership position within transport.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in logistics and strong operational expertise.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are supporting a well‑established road freight organisation in the appointment of an experienced General Manager to lead its UK and European transport operations. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with strong operational expertise and commercial awareness who can take ownership of performance across the business.
The Role
The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing the overall performance of the transport operation, ensuring efficiency, compliance, profitability, and service excellence. You will lead operational teams, manage key customer relationships, and drive strategic improvements across fleet performance and resource management. This position requires a proactive leader who can balance day‑to‑day operational control with long‑term business development and growth planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Oversight
- Direct and manage daily transport operations across domestic and European routes
- Improve fleet deployment, driver management, scheduling, and load optimisation
- Ensure operational processes deliver reliability and high service standards
- Oversee subcontractor performance and third‑party service providers
- Identify opportunities to streamline operations and improve efficiency
- Compliance and Safety
- Maintain full compliance with UK Operator Licence obligations and transport legislation
- Ensure adherence to DVSA requirements, tachograph regulations, and working time legislation
- Manage compliance with European transport regulations for cross‑border movements
- Support audit processes and maintain strong health and safety standards
- Promote a culture focused on risk management and safe working practices
- Take accountability for operational financial performance and overall profitability
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, cost monitoring, and performance reporting
- Track key operational metrics including margins, fuel consumption, utilisation, and cost control
- Support pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and commercial review processes
- Drive initiatives that improve efficiency and protect profitability
- Customer and Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic customers
- Respond effectively to service issues and escalations
- Support new business development and contract retention efforts
- Represent the business professionally in client and supplier engagements
- Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to the long‑term growth and development of the transport division
- Identify opportunities for operational modernisation and technology improvement
- Support expansion initiatives and potential growth into new markets or service areas
- Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments to ensure business readiness
Proven leadership experience within haulage, transport, or logistics operations. Strong knowledge of Operator Licence requirements and transport compliance. Experience managing operational teams and multi‑functional staff. Demonstrable P&L responsibility and commercial decision‑making experience. Familiarity with transport management systems and fleet performance tools. Exposure to cross‑border freight and European transport operations. Understanding of customs processes and international trade requirements. Experience leading change initiatives or operational improvement projects.
Personal Attributes
- Strong commercial mindset with operational discipline
- Confident decision‑maker with excellent leadership capability
- Ability to engage effectively with customers, drivers, and senior stakeholders
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast‑moving environment
This is a key leadership role for a professional who is ready to take ownership of a significant transport operation and contribute directly to its performance and growth. Applications are welcomed from individuals who meet the experience criteria and are seeking a senior management opportunity within road freight.
General Manager in Folkestone employer: Pearson Whiffin
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Folkestone
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend transport and logistics events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that General Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your operational expertise and commercial awareness. Share specific examples of how you've improved efficiency or driven profitability in past roles. We want to see that you can take ownership and lead teams effectively!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand the company’s operations, their challenges, and how you can contribute to their growth. We recommend preparing questions that show your interest in their strategic direction and how you can help them achieve their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive opportunities but also shows your commitment to joining the team. Let’s get you that General Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your operational expertise and any relevant experience in transport or logistics. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've driven performance improvements in previous roles. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved efficiency, compliance, or profitability in past roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the transport operations specific to the company. Familiarise yourself with their fleet management practices, compliance standards, and any recent changes in regulations that could impact their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing operational teams. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven performance improvements and handled challenges in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understand the financial aspects of the role, including P&L responsibility. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to profitability in past positions and how you would approach budgeting and cost control in this new role.
✨Engage with Customer Focus
Think about how you can build and maintain strong relationships with customers. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively managed customer issues and contributed to business development efforts in your previous roles.