Transport & Fleet Manager

Role Purpose: 

Reporting to the General Service Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day transport operation and directly managing the transport department.  Transport is an internal service function, so success is about delivering a dependable service to our branches and departments, controlling costs, securing good value from suppliers and continually improving how the business operates. You will also take an active role in managing the fleet insurance claims, liaising closely with the Head of HR. 

Responsibilities: 

• Act as the nominated Transport Manager on the company’s Operator’s Licence, ensuring full compliance with transport legislation, Insurance compliance, DVSA requirements and Traffic Commissioner standards. 
• Manage all aspects of fleet compliance, including vehicle maintenance records, periodic maintenance inspections (PMIs), MOTs, driver documentation, licence checks, tachograph records, drivers’ hours and Working Time Directive requirements. 
• Lead, support and develop the transport team, including performance management, training, engagement and employee welfare. 
• Coordinate machinery movements, inter-branch deliveries and wider transport activities to meet operational and customer requirements. 
• Provide cover for the Transport Planner during periods of annual leave or absence, ensuring transport operations and communications continue effectively. 
• Promote and maintain high standards of health and safety, ensuring drivers have the necessary equipment, documentation and resources to carry out their roles safely. 
• Investigate transport-related issues, resolve operational problems and implement corrective actions to improve service delivery. 
• Manage the fleet accident reporting and insurance claims process from initial notification through to resolution, liaising with the company’s insurers, maintaining accurate records and providing the Head of HR with regular updates on claim progress, outstanding actions and outcomes. 
• Manage the transport department budget, monitor expenditure, control costs and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency. 
• Negotiate with suppliers and contractors to secure competitive rates and value for money. 
• Work closely with branch managers and internal departments, including HR and Accounts, on operational matters, insurance claims and invoice processing. 
• Deliver a responsive and reliable transport service to branches and colleagues across the business. 
• Drive continuous improvement in transport processes, including scheduling, booking, tracking and communication systems. 

Skills and Experience: 

• Road Haulage CPC qualification and eligibility to act as a nominated Transport Manager.  
• Minimum two years’ experience in transport, logistics or fleet management.  
• Full UK driving licence.  
• Experience leading and developing transport or logistics teams.  
• Strong knowledge of Operator’s Licence compliance, drivers’ hours, tachographs and transport legislation.  
• Experience managing vehicle maintenance programmes and compliance records.  
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs and improve operational efficiency.  
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving and decision-making skills.  
• Commitment to health and safety and continuous improvement.  
• Experience within agricultural, construction, plant, groundcare or specialist machinery transport sectors is desirable.  
• Familiarity with transport management systems such as IBCOS, PODFather or tachograph analysis software.