Assistant Transport Manager

Our client is a well-established and growing business operating within the fresh produce distribution sector, with a busy transport operation delivering to customers across London and the surrounding areas.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Transport professional looking to take on a key leadership role within a fast-paced, time-critical delivery environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing a large team of drivers, overseeing daily dispatch operations and ensuring high standards of performance, compliance and customer service.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience managing a large driver team within a busy transport or multi-drop delivery operation, with strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Salary of GBP
  48,000 per annum
• Full-time, permanent position
• Monday to Friday, 43 hours per week
• Early morning start at 4:30am
• Based in Croydon
• Opportunity to lead and develop a large driver team
• Key role within a busy and growing transport operation
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to operational performance and service delivery

• Previous experience in a busy transport environment, including the management of a large driver team
• Proven experience managing drivers within a time-critical, multi-drop delivery operation
• Experience with in fresh produce, food distribution or another time-sensitive delivery environment would be advantageous
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, manage and develop a team of drivers
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and a performance-driven approach, with the ability to work towards operational KPIs
• Ability to remain calm, professional and diplomatic when managing challenging situations
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with drivers, colleagues, customers and senior management
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced operational environment
• A proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of daily operations
• A strong understanding of driver compliance, health and safety requirements and operational procedures
• IT proficient, with experience using email, Microsoft Excel, Word and internet-based systems
• Experience using route management, vehicle tracking or driver monitoring systems such as Samsara
• Good knowledge of Central London and the surrounding delivery areas
• Full, clean UK driving licence

• Support the Transport Manager with the day-to-day management of the driver operation
• Take responsibility for the effective management, performance and development of a large team of 55+ route drivers and 10+ emergency drivers
• Oversee the daily dispatch operation between 4:30am and 6:00am, ensuring all routes are covered and departures run smoothly
• Manage daily dispatch, driver cover and operational issues, ensuring deliveries are supported and disruptions are resolved promptly
• Maintain and manage daily and route allocation templates, ensuring drivers, vehicles and routes are allocated accurately and efficiently
• Monitor driver performance, attendance, timekeeping and conduct, addressing any concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Investigate driver-related complaints and delivery issues, taking appropriate action and implementing improvements where necessary
• Manage driver investigations and performance-related matters, ensuring issues are handled…