About this role
Right Now Group are currently recruiting for an experienced Transport Operations Manager to join a well-established 24/7 transport and logistics business operating within the freight and logistics sector.
This is a key operational leadership position, taking responsibility for a busy department handling ad-hoc transport requirements, A-to-B collections and deliveries, vehicle allocation, live planning and scheduling.
The successful Transport Operations Manager will need to be an exceptional organiser and a genuine people person. This is a fast-moving operation where priorities can change quickly, so we're looking for somebody who can spin multiple plates, make confident decisions and keep both the team and operation moving when things don't go to plan.
This is an operational management position rather than an O-Licence or Transport Compliance Manager role. The focus is firmly on managing people, vehicles, workload and the successful delivery of the day-to-day transport operation.
Responsibilities of the Transport Operations Manager:
Take overall day-to-day responsibility for a busy transport operations departmentLead, manage, motivate and support the operational teamOversee a high volume of ad-hoc transport requests and A-to-B collections and deliveriesManage the live planning and scheduling of the department's allocated vehiclesEnsure available vehicles and drivers are allocated effectively against customer requirementsContinually monitor the live operation and reprioritise workloads as circumstances changeReact quickly to last-minute bookings, cancellations, delays, breakdowns and changing customer requirementsWork closely with the Resource Planning team, who manage planned driver resource and agency requirementsRespond to unexpected driver shortages, sickness or last-minute dropoutsWhere necessary, urgently liaise with driver agencies to secure short-notice emergency cover and minimise disruption to the operationEnsure collections and deliveries are planned efficiently and completed within agreed timescalesMaximise the utilisation of vehicles allocated to the departmentIdentify potential operational problems early and put solutions in placeTake ownership of operational issues and escalations, making confident decisions under pressureMaintain clear communication between operational staff, drivers and other departmentsWork closely with Customer Service and Pricing regarding changing customer requirements and operational issuesLiaise with the Fleet/Workshop team regarding vehicle availability, breakdowns and maintenance requirementsWork collaboratively with other operational departments across the wider businessBuild a positive, organised and accountable culture within the departmentCoach and develop team members, ensuring individuals understand their responsibilities and expectationsIdentify opportunities to improve planning, communication, efficiency and overall service levelsRemain hands-on and visible within the operation, particularly during busy or challenging periods The successful Transport Operations Manager will ideally have:
Previous experience within a busy transport, haulage, freight or logistics operationPrevious experience managing or supervising an operational transport teamStrong knowledge of transport planning, scheduling and vehicle allocationExperience managing a live, reactive transport operationStrong people-management and leadership skillsExcellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyThe ability to remain calm and make sensible decisions when the operation changes unexpectedlyA proactive and solutions-focused approach to operational problemsStrong communication skills when dealing with operational teams, drivers, customers and other departmentsGood commercial awareness and an understanding of vehicle utilisation and operational efficiencyConfidence taking ownership and accountability for departmental performanceThe ability to work collaboratively with other departments while maintaining ownership of their own operationPrevious experience within freight forwarding, air cargo, airport transport, time-critical logistics or a 24/7 transport environment would be highly advantageous Applications could also be considered from an experienced Transport Planning Manager, Senior Transport Planner, Transport Supervisor, Fleet Operations Manager or similar
The Transport Operations Manager will be joining:
A large and established 24/7 transport and logistics operation supporting some of the biggest businesses within the freight and logistics industry.
The Transport Operations Manager will specifically take ownership of the department responsible for the wider ad-hoc transport operation, managing its allocated vehicles and ensuring day-to-day collection and delivery requirements are successfully planned and executed.
The business also operates as a CAA Regulated Agent, making this an excellent opportunity for somebody with experience around Heathrow, air cargo or freight transport, although direct airfreight experience is not essential.
Hours for the Transport Operations Manager:
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:30
Salary for the Transport Operations Manager:
£50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience
We're looking for somebody who can bring structure and leadership to a constantly moving operation, manage multiple priorities at once and, most importantly, take ownership and find solutions when the original plan changes.
Apply now through Right Now Group for further information.