Transport Manager / Planner

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced and CPC qualified Transport Manager to take responsibility for the day\-to\-day planning, allocation and management of our transport operation. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with UK Operator Licensing requirements, deliver efficient route planning and cost control, and lead the driver team while building strong relationships with our customer base.

This role is pivotal to the safe, legal and profitable running of the fleet, requiring an organised and analytical professional with proven logistics experience and strong people management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Planning, Allocation \& Route Optimisation

• Allocate daily work to drivers using the Weighsoft transport management system, ensuring accurate job records and seamless workflow.


• Plan and optimise routes to maximise efficiency, productivity and cost control while delivering consistently high service levels.


• Analyse logistics data to identify trends, inefficiencies and opportunities for continuous improvement.


• Ensure all planning is carried out in line with the Working Time Directive, EU/GB Drivers' Hours Rules and break requirements.

• Act as the nominated Transport Manager, maintaining full compliance with the conditions of the Operator Licence.


• Manage drivers' hours, tachograph downloads and analysis using Tachomaster (or equivalent), and monitor, investigate and report on all infringements.


• Oversee daily vehicle walkaround checks, defect reporting and the timely rectification of identified faults.


• Ensure all vehicles, trailers and drivers remain fully compliant with DVSA standards, MOT, inspection and servicing schedules.


• Maintain accurate compliance records and documentation in line with legal and audit requirements.

• Lead, motivate and manage the driver team, fostering a positive, safety\-first culture.


• Recruit, induct and onboard new drivers, including reference checks, licence verification and CPC validation.


• Manage HR matters relating to drivers, including performance, disciplinary, grievance and welfare issues, in line with company policy.


• Plan and manage driver annual leave, absence and training, ensuring adequate cover at all times.


• Identify training needs and coordinate Driver CPC, induction and refresher training as required.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, acting as a key point of contact for transport\-related matters.


• Keep customers informed of job bookings, schedule changes, rescheduling and cancellations in a timely and professional manner.


• Resolve customer issues promptly, escalating where necessary and ensuring lessons learned are fed back into the operation.

• Work in line with the company's Health \& Safety policies and procedures at all times.


• Promote a strong safety culture across the driver team, ensuring all activities are carried out safely and within legal requirements.


• Report accidents, incidents and near misses promptly and support investigations to identify root cause and prevent recurrence.

• Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence or peak demand.


• Assist with general operational and administrative tasks as required to support the wider business.


• Produce regular reports on KPIs, including utilisation, on\-time performance, infringements, vehicle availability and driver availability forecasting.

• Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management (Road Haulage) — held and current.


• Proven experience in a transport management, planning or logistics role.


• Working knowledge and hands\-on experience of Weighsoft transport management software.


• Strong understanding of UK Operator Licensing compliance, including Drivers' Hours rules, tachograph regulations, defect reporting and vehicle maintenance requirements.


• Experience using Tachomaster (or equivalent tachograph analysis software) for monitoring drivers' hours and managing infringements.


• Demonstrable ability to analyse logistics data and use insights to drive efficiency and cost control.


• Strong IT literacy, including confident use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and transport\-related systems.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with drivers, customers and colleagues at all levels.


• Full, valid UK driving licence.


• Flexibility to work outside of standard hours when operational demands require.

• Experience managing multi\-drop, multi\-vehicle operations.


• Experience of recruitment, HR processes and performance management within a transport environment.


• Working knowledge of telematics and vehicle tracking systems.

• Calm under pressure, with strong problem\-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions quickly.


• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise a varied workload.


• A proactive, hands\-on team player who leads by example.


• Customer\-focused, with a commitment to delivering high standards of service.


• Committed to compliance, safety and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• On\-site parking

• English (required)

• United Kingdom (required)

• Shrewsbury SY4 5SD (preferred)

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