Transport Shift Manager

Due to continued growth, we are expanding our Transport Management teambased out of Wardle supporting our Crewe and Lymedale operations. The Transport Shift Manageris responsible for leading the day-to-day transport operation, ensuring that all deliveries are completed safely, legally, on time, and in line with customer expectations. The role requires strong operational leadership, excellent people management skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement, compliance, and cost control.

The successful candidate will lead drivers and transport office team throughout their shift across 3 depots,maintaining high standards of service, safety, and operational performance while fostering a positive, accountable team culture.

• Monthly Pay: £47,000 per annum
• Shifts:
  
  Monday to Friday working 1 in 3 weekends with days back in the week
• Holidays: 33 days per year
• Progression Opportunities:
  Clear progression pathways across the wider group that operates 2 other business’
• Training Opportunities:
  Funded, accredited courses.
• Medicash:
  Cashback on routine medical expenses such as dental, optical, physiotherapy and more!
• Shopping Discounts:
  Save with discounts at major retailers like Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Currys, Debenhams and more!
• Travel Savings:
  Discounts on flights, hotels, and airport parking.
• Entertainment Offers:
  Reduced prices at over 400 cinemas across the UK, including savings on drinks and snacks.
• Dining and Lifestyle:
  Access to deals on restaurants, leisure activities, and other lifestyle services.
• Enhanced Policies:
  Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• The Usual:
  Company Pension Scheme, Life Assurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme including counselling, legal and financial support, Free Refreshments, Free Secure On-Site Parking!

• Lead the transport operation during the assigned shift, ensuring all planned deliveries are executed efficiently.
• Manage daily dispatch, routing, driver allocation, and vehicle utilisation.
• Monitor transport performance against KPIs including OTIF, vehicle utilisation, cost per delivery, and service levels.
• Respond quickly to operational issues, customer requirements, vehicle breakdowns, traffic disruption, and staffing shortages.
• Ensure effective shift handovers with clear communication of operational priorities and outstanding issues.

• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop drivers and transport colleagues.
• Create a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct return-to-work interviews, performance reviews, investigations, and disciplinary processes where required.
• Support recruitment, induction, onboarding, and training of new colleagues.
• Manage absence, holiday planning, overtime, and resource allocation.

• Ensure full compliance with: DVSA regulations, Driver Hours & Working Time Directive, Operator License requirements, Road Transport Working Time Regulations, Health &Safety Legislation and company policies and procedures.
• Monitor tachograph infringements and driver compliance.
• Promote a strong safety culture through regular briefings and observations.
• Ensure vehicle defects are reported, actioned, and recorded appropriately.

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customers.
• Manage service recovery when issues arise ensuring customer communication is timely, professional and solution focused.

• Analyse transport data andidentifyopportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cost.
• Drive improvements in fuel performance, fleet utilisation, and productivity.
• Support implementation of operational improvement projects.
• Produce accurate shift reports and performance updates.

• Proven experience managing a fast-paced transport operation.
• Previous leadership experience within a transport or logistics environment.
• Strong understanding of UK transport legislation including Driver Hours, Tachograph Regulations, and Operator Licence compliance.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence change constructively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and planning ability.
• Good IT skills, including transport management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong visible leadership with a proactive hands-on approach.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Commercial awareness with a customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail with high…