At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage transport operations across Thatcham and Newport, ensuring efficiency and safety.
- Company: Join a leading logistics business with a focus on customer relationships and performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport or contract management with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are supporting a leading logistics business in the search for an experienced Contract Manager to take ownership of two busy transport operations based across Thatcham and Newport. This is a hands-on operational leadership role, ideal for an experienced transport or contract management professional who enjoys being close to the operation, building strong customer relationships, and driving performance improvements.
You will have full responsibility for ensuring both sites operate safely, efficiently and profitably, while maintaining excellent service levels for key customers.
As Contract Manager, you will oversee day-to-day operations across both locations, providing visible leadership to drivers, office staff and customer contacts. This role requires someone who is comfortable balancing operational delivery with commercial responsibility — someone who can manage people, resolve challenges, improve processes and build trusted relationships with customers.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing the daily transport operation across Thatcham and Newport.
- Maintaining a visible presence on-site, including regular visits to both locations.
- Leading and supporting a team of drivers and transport staff (up to 20 employees).
- Building strong working relationships with customers and acting as a key point of contact.
- Managing operational performance, service levels and customer expectations.
- Monitoring KPIs, costs and financial performance to ensure targets are achieved.
- Managing transport compliance, including drivers' hours, tachograph compliance, health & safety and operating licence requirements.
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance service delivery.
- Managing subcontractors and suppliers where required.
- Coaching and developing team members to improve engagement and performance.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Transport Contract Manager or similar operational leader with a strong background in managing customer-focused logistics operations. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience within contract management, transport management or a similar operational leadership role.
- Experience managing a busy transport operation with responsibility for people, customers and performance.
- A hands-on management style with the ability to get involved in the detail when required.
- Strong commercial awareness, including managing costs, budgets and operational performance.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence to work directly with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Experience managing drivers and operational teams.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Contract Manager Transport Operations in Thatcham employer: White Recruitment
Join a pioneering renewable energy company in Appleby-in-Westmorland, where your leadership as Operations Director will directly contribute to the UK's low-carbon heating transition. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture of continuous improvement, you will enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and significant influence over business strategy. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing sector dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager Transport Operations in Thatcham
✨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 White 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 White Recruitment. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager Transport Operations in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White Recruitment.
