Transport Controller

Transport Controller

Full-Time 33000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Reactive Driving Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Plan and optimise daily transport operations for maximum efficiency and service excellence.
  • Company: Dynamic transport company based in Birmingham with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Join a proactive team and make a real impact in transport logistics.
  • Qualifications: Experience in transport planning and strong knowledge of compliance regulations.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 33000 - 35000 £ per year.

Permanent position based in Birmingham. Salary: £33,000 - £35,000 (depending on experience). Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 06:00-15:00 (one‑hour unpaid lunch break). Holiday entitlement: 28 days, including bank holidays. Office‑based.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, coordinate and monitor daily transport operations to ensure optimal fleet performance, cost efficiency and service excellence.
  • Execute daily delivery and collection routes, ensuring efficient vehicle utilisation, minimising empty running and achieving service windows.
  • Optimise route planning using cost‑to‑serve principles, balancing service performance with fuel efficiency, mileage reduction and labour productivity.
  • Monitor live fleet operations, making real‑time planning adjustments to mitigate delays, maximise productivity and protect service levels.
  • Ensure full compliance with Drivers' Hours and Working Time Directive (WTD) regulations, proactively managing driver availability and legal working limits.
  • Manage daily pallet network operations, including manifesting, trunk planning, hub departure compliance and delivery route scheduling across systems such as Pallet Track, Pall‑Ex, Palletline or equivalent VIGO TMS platforms.
  • Track consignments and delivery performance, ensuring accurate status updates and timely exception management within the network and internal systems.
  • Analyse operational performance data, identifying planning improvements, cost‑saving opportunities and efficiency gains across fleet and subcontractor activity.
  • Conduct structured driver briefings and debriefings, ensuring operational priorities, route planning and compliance expectations are clearly communicated.
  • Liaise with pallet network hubs, customers, subcontractors and internal departments to resolve operational challenges and maintain KPI performance.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying trends, improving load build strategies and enhancing route planning processes.
  • Provide clear and structured shift handovers to maintain operational continuity between planning teams.

About You

We are looking for a proactive, commercially aware transport professional who can combine operational planning with a strong focus on compliance and service.

Key Requirements

  • Previous experience within a transport planning or transport operator role.
  • Strong knowledge of Drivers' Hours and Working Time Directive (WTD) regulations.
  • Experience working within pallet network or groupage distribution operations such as Pallet Track, Pall‑Ex, Palletline or similar hub‑and‑spoke logistics environments.
  • Strong planning and analytical skills, with the ability to optimise routes and improve cost‑to‑serve performance.
  • Experience using transport management systems VIGO / Contrado (TMS), route planning tools and Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel.
  • Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities within fast‑paced operational environments.
  • Strong communication skills, with confidence managing driver engagement and stakeholder relationships.
  • Proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with strong attention to detail and operational efficiency.
  • Knowledge of pallet weight.

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, if you have not heard from us within two weeks, unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful.

Transport Controller employer: Reactive Driving Recruitment

As a leading transport operator based in Birmingham, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to operational excellence, we offer our Transport Controllers the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment where innovation and efficiency are celebrated. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and encourages continuous improvement in the logistics sector.
Reactive Driving Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Reactive Driving Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Transport Controller

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the transport industry on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to transport operations. Think about how you can showcase your experience with route planning and compliance, as these are key for the Transport Controller role.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings that match your skills and interests, especially in transport management.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Transport Controller

Transport Planning
Fleet Performance Monitoring
Route Optimisation
Drivers' Hours Regulations
Working Time Directive (WTD) Compliance
Pallet Network Operations
Transport Management Systems (TMS)
Operational Performance Analysis
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Multitasking Abilities
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Cost-to-Serve Principles

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transport Controller role. Highlight your experience in transport planning and any relevant systems you've used, like Pallet Track or VIGO TMS. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance is key in this role, don’t forget to mention your understanding of Drivers' Hours and Working Time Directive regulations. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to safety and legal standards.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experience and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!

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’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!

How to prepare for a job interview at Reactive Driving Recruitment

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Drivers' Hours and Working Time Directive regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re serious about compliance and understand the operational side of transport.

✨Show Off Your Planning Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience with route optimisation and cost-to-serve principles. Bring examples of how you've improved efficiency in past roles, especially using tools like VIGO or other TMS platforms.

✨Communicate Clearly

Since strong communication is key in this role, practice explaining complex ideas simply. Think about how you would conduct driver briefings or liaise with stakeholders, and be ready to demonstrate your approach during the interview.

✨Be Proactive and Solutions-Focused

Employers love a proactive mindset! Come prepared with examples of how you've identified trends or solved operational challenges in the past. This will highlight your ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>