Job Details

Transport Manager

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Location: Colchester

Full Time | Permanent

The Opportunity

An established and growing business is seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead and develop its transport operation. This is a senior leadership position offering full responsibility for transport strategy, operational performance, compliance, fleet management and budget control.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of transport services while driving continuous improvement and supporting wider business objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded transport professional who combines strong operational leadership with a proven ability to manage costs, improve performance and maintain the highest standards of compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all transport operations, including planning, routing, dispatch and real-time vehicle monitoring.
• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence requirements, driver hours regulations, tachograph legislation and health andamp; safety standards.
• Take ownership of the transport budget, delivering effective cost control and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
• Monitor and analyse transport costs including fuel, maintenance, labour, subcontractor expenditure and operational overheads.
• Develop, implement and monitor KPIs to measure service delivery, operational efficiency, compliance and financial performance.
• Produce regular management reports, performance analysis and cost reviews.
• Manage relationships and contracts with suppliers, subcontractors and transport service providers.
• Negotiate rates and commercial agreements to ensure sustainable and profitable operations.
• Lead transport compliance audits and maintain robust systems, processes and documentation.
• Recruit, develop and manage transport personnel, supporting performance, training and succession planning.
• Ensure workforce planning aligns with operational requirements while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Investigate incidents, accidents and compliance issues, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, customer service and cost reduction.
• Oversee fleet management activities including maintenance scheduling, asset utilisation and replacement planning.
• Provide strategic recommendations regarding fleet investment, technology adoption and operational development.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders across the business to ensure transport operations support wider commercial objectives.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and commercially focused transport leader with a proven track record of managing complex transport operations.

You will have:

• Significant experience in a senior transport management role.
• Demonstrable responsibility for budgets, cost control and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of UK transport legislation and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing Operator Licence obligations and transport compliance frameworks.
• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualification or working towards it.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data.
• Experience driving operational improvements and delivering measurable efficiencies.
• Excellent organisational and stakeholder management abilities.
• A strong commitment to safety, compliance and service excellence.

Desirable

Clean UK Class 2 HGV licence.

Experience within HGV operations.

Understanding of vehicle maintenance and fleet management practices.

Whatand#39;s on Offer

Senior leadership role with significant influence across the business.

Opportunity to shape and develop transport operations.

Supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Long-term career development opportunities.

If you are an experienced transport professional looking for your next leadership challenge and want to make a genuine impact within a growing organisation, weand#39;d love to hear from you.