Transport Manager

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