Transport Manager

Transport Manager – HGV & Van Fleet Food Distribution

Location: London (site-based)
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum, negotiable for the right candidate
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturday morning attendance
Start Date: As soon as possible

The Opportunity

We are recruiting an experienced Transport Manager to join a rapidly growing food distribution business operating across London and Manchester.

The business is experiencing annual growth of approximately 40% and is looking for a commercially minded transport professional to lead its transport operation, manage drivers, maintain compliance and improve the efficiency and profitability of its delivery network.

You will oversee transport operations involving HGVs and delivery vans, supporting approximately 17 drivers across both locations. The role is based on-site in London, with responsibility for the London and Manchester operations.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a growing distribution operation, improve fleet utilisation, optimise delivery routes and implement processes that support continued business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations and Driver Management

• Lead and manage approximately 17 drivers across London and Manchester.
• Oversee daily HGV and van operations, ensuring deliveries are completed safely and efficiently.
• Coordinate driver schedules, delivery planning and vehicle availability.
• Monitor driver performance, attendance and productivity.
• Support drivers throughout their shifts and resolve operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve service levels and operational efficiency.

Transport Compliance

• Hold the required Transport Manager CPC and maintain compliance with applicable transport legislation and safety requirements.
• Ensure appropriate driver and vehicle checks, documentation and maintenance records are maintained.
• Monitor driver compliance and vehicle roadworthiness.
• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective action.
• Promote a strong safety culture across the transport operation.

Route Optimisation and Cost Control

• Develop and implement a cost-to-serve model to understand the cost of delivering products to customers.
• Analyse mileage, driver hours, vehicle utilisation, delivery volumes and operating costs.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate deliveries, reduce unnecessary mileage and improve route productivity.
• Review delivery schedules and vehicle allocation to maximise efficiency.
• Reduce transport expenditure without compromising customer service.
• Use operational data to identify inefficiencies and deliver measurable improvements.

KPIs and Continuous Improvement

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across both locations.
• Track daily deliveries, proof-of-delivery performance, damaged goods and product waste.
• Monitor service levels, delivery efficiency and driver productivity.
• Identify recurring issues and implement improvements.

Fleet Management

• Oversee HGV and van fleet operations.
• Manage vehicle maintenance and ensure vehicles remain safe, roadworthy and available.
• Oversee fleet leasing arrangements and monitor associated costs.
• Minimise disruption caused by vehicle maintenance and downtime.
• Work with suppliers and service providers to maintain effective fleet arrangements.

London Operations and Business Growth

• Manage challenges associated with London deliveries, including congestion, the Congestion Charge, parking restrictions and restaurant access.
• Improve delivery planning to minimise delays and unnecessary costs.
• Maintain consistent operational standards across London and Manchester.
• Develop processes to accommodate increasing delivery volumes and continued business growth.

Essential Requirements

• Transport Manager CPC relevant to the role.
• Proven experience in transport management or transport operations.
• Experience managing HGVs, vans or a mixed commercial vehicle fleet.
• Strong multi-drop delivery and route-planning experience.
• Experience leading and managing drivers.
• Sound knowledge of transport compliance and fleet management.
• Experience monitoring performance, controlling costs and improving efficiency.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• A commercially minded approach to transport operations.
• Ability to work on-site in London and remain contactable on Saturdays.

Desirable Experience

• Background in food distribution, foodservice, wholesale or FMCG logistics.
• Experience delivering to restaurants, hospitality businesses or other time-sensitive customers.
• Experience developing or implementing a cost-to-serve model.
• A track record of reducing transport costs and improving route efficiency.
• Experience managing fleet leasing, maintenance and transport KPIs.
• Experience overseeing multi-site operations and supporting business growth.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, based on-site in London. Start and finish times vary according to operational requirements, and you must be available to support drivers throughout their shifts.

Saturday attendance is not normally required, but you must remain contactable and occasionally attend on Saturday mornings to brief drivers and oversee their departure.

Salary and Opportunity

• £45,000–£50,000 per annum, negotiable for the right candidate.
• Permanent, full-time position.
• Monday-to-Friday working pattern.
• Responsibility for a mixed HGV and van transport operation.
• Opportunity to influence transport strategy, cost control and operational performance within a rapidly growing business.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Transport Manager with the required CPC, strong multi-drop experience and a background managing HGVs, vans or a mixed fleet, we would welcome your application.

Apply today and highlight your experience in transport management, driver leadership, compliance, route optimisation and cost reduction.

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