Transport Manager: Route Optimisation & Driver Ops Leader

Transport Manager

Location: Southampton
Salary: £30,000 – £40,000
Hours: 40 hours per week
Type: Full-time

• Annual bonus scheme
• Competitive pension plan
• Share scheme options
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Holiday buy & sell scheme
• Health cash plan
• Retail discounts and lifestyle perks
• Long service awards

We’re supporting a well-established and growing business looking to add a Transport Manager to their operation in Southampton.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where you’ll take ownership of route planning, driver coordination, and overall transport performance. You’ll be a key part of ensuring operations run efficiently, safely, and in line with compliance standards.

• Plan and optimise daily vehicle routes to maximise efficiency and control costs
• Allocate drivers and vehicles across operational areas
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations, including driver hours and vehicle standards
• Manage driver schedules, holidays, sickness, and day-to-day communication
• Complete and maintain accurate transport documentation (digital and paper-based)
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure smooth operational delivery
• Provide a high level of service to both internal and external stakeholders
• Support reporting and performance tracking
• Take part in an on-call rota when required

• Experience with in a transport or logistics office environment
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure in a busy, time-sensitive setting
• Confident communicator with the ability to manage drivers effectively
• Good IT skills, including experience with planning or routing systems
• Understanding of transport compliance and driver regulations
• Experience with in waste, recycling, or similar sectors is advantageous
• CPC qualification (or willingness to obtain)
• Full UK driving licence