At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage transport operations and oversee a small team to ensure efficient collections and deliveries.
- Company: Established independent transport and logistics business in the Heathrow area.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours required; great opportunity for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Step into a management role and make a real impact in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport operations or airfreight logistics; strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Right Now Group are currently recruiting for a Transport & Operations Manager on behalf of an established, independent transport and logistics business operating in the Heathrow area.
Our client specialises in time-critical airfreight collections and deliveries, supporting freight forwarders, airlines, cargo handlers and logistics businesses across Heathrow and the wider UK.
The business operates two commercial vans alongside an established network of subcontracted transport providers, including HGV operators.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their career.
You don't necessarily need previous management experience - we're equally interested in speaking with ambitious Transport Planners, Traffic Operators or Airfreight Operations professionals who are ready to step up and take on more responsibility.
You’ll be overseeing a small team of two Transport Planners / Operators, managing the daily operation and working closely with the business owners to improve efficiency, develop customer relationships and support future growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day running of transport operations, ensuring collections and deliveries are completed efficiently.
- Manage, support and develop two Transport Planners / Operators.
- Coordinate the company's two commercial vans, drivers and subcontracted transport movements.
- Arrange HGV movements and nationwide deliveries using an established network of subcontractors.
- Utilise Courier Exchange to source transport solutions, maximise vehicle utilisation and identify profitable opportunities.
- Prepare customer quotations, calculate transport costs and ensure jobs are priced competitively whilst maintaining healthy profit margins.
- Manage airfreight collections and deliveries from Heathrow airline sheds, cargo handlers and freight forwarders.
- Ensure operations are carried out in accordance with relevant CAA aviation security requirements and procedures.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers.
- Identify opportunities to generate additional business and develop new customer relationships.
- Monitor operational costs, subcontractor rates, vehicle utilisation and job profitability.
- Oversee daily bookings, customer enquiries and operational administration.
- Help introduce improvements to existing processes, systems and working practices.
- Occasionally jump into one of the company vans to assist with urgent collections or deliveries when required.
- Work closely with the business owners to help develop and grow the operation.
About You
We're not necessarily looking for someone who has already held a management position.
We're looking for someone who is motivated, commercially aware, organised and ready to take ownership of a small transport operation.
What we're looking for
- Experience within transport operations, airfreight logistics, freight forwarding or express courier operations.
- Good knowledge of Heathrow Airport cargo operations and the local freight community.
- An understanding of CAA aviation security requirements relating to air cargo movements.
- Strong commercial awareness, with the confidence to prepare quotations, calculate costs and negotiate rates.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure in a time-critical environment.
- A confident communicator who can build relationships with customers, drivers and subcontractors.
- A proactive, hands-on attitude and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of the operation.
- Good IT skills and the ability to learn new systems and platforms.
- A full, valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive company vans when required.
- The ambition to take on additional responsibility and develop into a management position.
Desirable, but not essential
- Previous supervisory or management experience.
- Experience using Courier Exchange or similar transport platforms.
- Experience arranging subcontracted HGV movements.
- Existing relationships within the Heathrow freight forwarding community.
- Previous experience working within a CAA-regulated transport or logistics business.
- Working Hours
Due to the nature of time-critical transport and airfreight operations, flexibility will be required to support the business outside of standard working hours when necessary.
What's on Offer?
- £35,000 - £40,000 basic salary, depending on experience.
- An excellent opportunity to step into a management role.
- Responsibility for a small, established transport operation.
- Support from the business owners and the opportunity to learn and develop.
- A varied role combining transport planning, commercial pricing, customer relationships and team management.
- The freedom to introduce new ideas and improve existing processes.
- A friendly, independent business environment where your contribution will genuinely make a difference.
- Long-term career development opportunities.
- Location: Heathrow Area
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 17:00 (flexibility required)
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Transport & Operations Manager - Sameday Transport employer: Right Now Recruitment
Right Now Group offers a dynamic work environment in Sunbury-on-Thames, where our Warehouse Operatives play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive culture that values teamwork and attention to detail, while also providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. With flexible shift patterns and a focus on employee well-being, we are committed to making your experience both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport & Operations Manager - Sameday Transport
✨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 Right Now Recruitment.
✨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 Right Now Recruitment. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport & Operations Manager - Sameday Transport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Right Now Recruitment, 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 Right Now Recruitment 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 Right Now Recruitment. 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 Right Now Recruitment
✨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 Right Now Recruitment.
✨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 Right Now Recruitment.
