Operations Assistant in Chessington, Surrey

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing specialist logistics business operating within the luxury and high-value goods sector. The business provides secure, time-critical transportation and logistics solutions to some of the world's leading luxury and retail brands. Due to continued growth, they are looking for an Operations Assistant / Junior to join their busy UK operations team. This is a varied and fast-paced role which will involve coordinating drivers, vehicles, routes and customer requirements to ensure the smooth running of daily operations.

The role would suit someone who is organised, commercially aware, confident on the telephone and able to think on their feet. Previous experience in a transport, logistics, fleet, delivery or operations environment would be beneficial, although full training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Transport & Operations
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of UK transport operations.
• Help plan and coordinate collections, deliveries and transfers.
• Assist with allocating vehicles and drivers to scheduled work.
• Monitor journeys and vehicle movements throughout the day.
• Track progress and identify potential delays or issues.
• Communicate changes to drivers and relevant internal teams.
• Assist with urgent or last-minute operational requirements.
• Ensure all operational information is recorded accurately.
• Support the wider operations team with the smooth running of daily activities.
• Fleet Management
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of the company vehicle fleet.
• Monitor vehicle availability and allocation.
• Help ensure vehicles are appropriately assigned to specific journeys.
• Liaise with drivers regarding vehicle availability and requirements.
• Report vehicle defects, maintenance requirements or other issues.
• Maintain accurate fleet and journey records.
• Assist with ensuring vehicles are available and ready for scheduled work.
• Driver Coordination
• Communicate daily schedules and journey requirements to drivers.
• Act as a key point of contact for drivers throughout the working day.
• Monitor driver progress and respond to operational queries.
• Communicate changes to schedules or routes.
• Deal professionally with delays, problems and unexpected situations.
• Ensure drivers have the correct information to complete their assignments.
• Client & Customer Interaction
• Communicate with clients and customers by telephone and email.
• Provide professional and accurate updates regarding deliveries and collections.
• Respond to operational queries.
• Build positive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Maintain a consistently professional approach when dealing with luxury brands and high-value goods.
• Administration
• Update internal systems and operational records.
• Complete general administration associated with transport operations.
• Maintain accurate records relating to drivers, vehicles and journeys.
• Use email, Microsoft Office and other basic IT systems.
• Assist with operational reporting where required.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience within transport, logistics, fleet, courier, distribution, delivery or operations, although candidates with strong transferable experience will also be considered. You will ideally have:

• Good knowledge of UK geography and road networks.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• A professional telephone manner.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good basic IT skills.
• The ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A flexible and proactive approach.
• The confidence to communicate with drivers, customers and colleagues.
• A strong sense of responsibility and reliability.

Desirable Experience

Experience within any of the following would be advantageous:

• Transport coordination
• Fleet management
• Logistics
• Courier / delivery operations
• Distribution
• Driver coordination
• Secure transport
• High-value goods
• Luxury retail
• Customer service
• Operations administration

A full UK driving licence would be beneficial but is not essential.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Organised and methodical
• Professional and well presented
• Reliable and punctual
• Calm under pressure
• Discreet and trustworthy
• Customer focused
• A confident communicator
• Flexible and adaptable
• Proactive and solutions focused

This is a role where no two days are necessarily the same, so the ability to think on your feet and react positively when plans change is essential.

What’s On Offer

• Full-time permanent position
• Tuesday – Saturday 06:00 – 14:00
• Full training provided
• Opportunity to develop within a growing specialist logistics business
• Exposure to transport, fleet and secure logistics operations
• Long-term career development opportunities