Transport Manager
Location: West Kent
Salary: £48,000 – £55,000 + Company Bonus Scheme
Hours: Monday – Friday, Day Shift
Full-Time | Permanent
An exciting opportunity has become available to join a successful and established manufacturing and distribution business as Transport Manager.
This is a key operational position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day transport function while also playing a major role in improving, streamlining and modernising transport operations.
We’re looking for an experienced Transport Manager who combines strong hands‑on transport knowledge with a commercial and process‑driven mindset. You’ll take ownership of everything from route planning and supplier management through to cost control, systems improvement and operational efficiencies.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing and coordinating the day-to-day transport operation
- Planning loads, routes, deliveries and collections
- Organising pallet networks, external hauliers and third-party transport providers
- Planning efficient driver routes around customer requirements, vehicle loads and delivery schedules
- Managing relationships and negotiating rates with external transport providers
- Monitoring transport costs and identifying opportunities for savings
- Working closely with Sales, Warehouse and Operations to manage changing customer requirements
- Monitoring KPIs and improving overall transport performance
- Ensuring accurate transport and delivery information is maintained
- Creating and implementing SOPs and improved working practices
- Reviewing existing processes and identifying opportunities for automation
- Leading transport-related process and systems improvement projects
- Introducing more efficient workflows to reduce manual administration
- Reporting on operational performance, efficiencies and cost improvements
- Maintaining high standards of transport compliance and safe working practices
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience within transport management, transport planning or logistics operations
- Strong knowledge of routing, load planning, deliveries and collections
- Experience managing third‑party hauliers and transport providers
- Experience negotiating transport rates and controlling costs
- Strong project management and process improvement skills
- Commercially aware with the ability to identify efficiencies and savings
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
- Confident working across Sales, Warehouse and Operations
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proactive, self‑motivated and comfortable taking ownership
- Calm under pressure and comfortable working within a fast‑paced environment
The Company
You’ll be joining an established and successful UK manufacturing and distribution business with a strong reputation within its specialist market.
The company has a loyal, long‑standing workforce and a friendly, collaborative culture, with a strong focus on customer service, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take genuine ownership of a transport function and have a real influence on how the department develops moving forward.
Package
- £48,000 – £55,000 basic salary
- Company bonus scheme
- 28 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays, plus Christmas closure
- Monday – Friday
- West Kent
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