Morgan McKinley is delighted to be partnering with a key client to recruit an experienced Transport Operations Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated transport professional to join a successful and growing organisation. The successful candidate will take ownership of the transport function, ensuring the safe, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of transport operations while maintaining exceptional service levels for customers. As a key member of the operations team, you will be responsible for leading transport planning, fleet performance, driver management, compliance, and operational efficiency. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong commercial awareness and a proven ability to deliver results within a fast-paced distribution environment. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage all day-to-day transport operations, ensuring the efficient delivery of goods while maintaining the highest levels of customer service. Oversee transport planning and route optimisation to maximise fleet utilisation and operational efficiency. Ensure full compliance with all transport legislation, including Driver Hours Regulations, Working Time Directive (WTD), Tachograph Regulations, Operator Licence requirements, and Health & Safety standards. Manage and develop transport teams, including drivers, transport planners, and support personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Monitor transport KPIs, analysing performance data to drive improvements in service, productivity, vehicle utilisation, and cost control. Take ownership of fleet management activities, including vehicle maintenance schedules, defect reporting, roadworthiness, and compliance requirements. Manage transport budgets and control operational costs, including fuel expenditure, subcontractor usage, fleet maintenance, and labour costs. Build strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders, ensuring service expectations are consistently achieved and exceeded. Investigate and resolve operational issues, service failures, and customer concerns in a timely and professional manner. Support customs documentation and import/export activities where required, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on transport efficiency, compliance, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Ensure robust contingency planning is in place to effectively manage operational disruptions and changing business requirements. Candidate Profile Proven experience in a Transport Manager, Transport Operations Manager, Distribution Manager, or similar transport leadership role. Strong knowledge of transport legislation, fleet compliance, driver management, and operational best practices. Experience managing transport operations within a distribution, logistics, FMCG, retail, manufacturing, or supply chain environment. Sound understanding of Driver Hours Regulations, Tachograph legislation, Working Time Directive (WTD), Operator Licence compliance, and Health & Safety requirements. CPC qualification would be highly advantageous. Experience managing transport planning, routing, fleet utilisation, and cost optimisation. Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. Commercially astute with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Experience using Transport Management Systems (TMS) and transport-related reporting tools. Skills: Transport logistics planning
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