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 of £60,000, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while building strong relationships and driving improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport or contract management with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31950 - 39050 £ per year.
Location: Thatcham (RG19) & Newport (NP20) (Weekly visits to both sites)
Salary: £60,000
Working Hours: 48 hours per week Monday - Friday
The Opportunity
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.
The Role
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.
- 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.
WR Logistics are a leading recruitment partner for the logistics and supply chain industry, recruiting across the UK, Europe, and the USA for permanent opportunities. WR Logistics is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Contract Manager Transport Operations employer: WR Logistics
WR Logistics is an exceptional employer located in Bradford, offering a dynamic work environment where career development is prioritised. With a competitive salary and a supportive team culture, employees benefit from a Monday to Friday working pattern and ample training opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow within the freight forwarding industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager Transport Operations
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like WR Logistics and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at WR Logistics!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like WR Logistics keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager Transport Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to WR Logistics:This is your chance to really connect with the team at WR Logistics. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with WR Logistics.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show WR Logistics that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at WR Logistics. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
