Transport Manager

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 & 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.
What'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, we'd love to hear from you