Ashton Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a well-established specialist services business for an experienced Transport Manager to join its Newry-based operation.
Transport Manager
Location: Newry
Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
This is an excellent opportunity to take responsibility for the management, maintenance and regulatory compliance of a substantial commercial fleet and range of specialist operational equipment.
The successful candidate will oversee approximately 80 commercial vehicles, including specialist tanker, combination jetting and vacuum vehicles. Working closely with the in-house garage, external suppliers and operational teams, they will ensure the fleet remains safe, reliable, compliant and available to meet business requirements.
This position combines hands-on fleet management with the opportunity to shape the company's longer-term fleet strategy, including vehicle purchasing, technology and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all company vehicles, heavy plant and specialist assets comply with DVA requirements and HGV Operator Licence conditions
- Plan and coordinate preventative and reactive vehicle and plant maintenance
- Schedule Planned Maintenance Inspections, PSV tests, MOTs and other statutory checks
- Work closely with the in-house garage to allocate resources and prioritise maintenance requirements
- Manage relationships with external service providers, parts suppliers and other fleet partners
- Monitor supplier performance, costs and value for money
- Coordinate the response to breakdowns and equipment issues to minimise operational downtime
- Maintain accurate records of servicing, inspections, repairs and compliance activity
- Oversee daily vehicle checks and ensure defects are recorded, escalated and resolved promptly
- Monitor driver performance, Driver CPC compliance and driving-licence validity
- Work closely with Operations and Project Management teams to support operational requirements
- Use company systems to monitor fleet performance, costs, compliance and vehicle availability
- Prepare regular reports for senior management and identify areas for improvement
- Support vehicle purchasing decisions and develop the company's longer-term fleet strategy
- Identify opportunities to introduce new technology and improve fleet efficiency
- Promote safe working practices and ensure company health and safety policies are followed
- Support accident and incident investigations by providing relevant technical knowledge
Essential Criteria
- At least two years' experience in a Transport Manager, Fleet Manager or similar position
- Experience managing commercial vehicles, HGVs, plant or specialist operational equipment
- Strong knowledge of fleet maintenance and transport compliance requirements
- Experience scheduling inspections, servicing, PSV tests and MOTs
- Good understanding of Operator Licence obligations and defect-management procedures
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to control costs and improve operational efficiency
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Confident working with drivers, technicians, suppliers and operational managers
- Competent using fleet-management systems and Microsoft Office
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable Criteria
- CILT Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers - Road Haulage
- Category C/Class 2 HGV driving licence
- Experience managing specialist tanker, jetting or vacuum vehicles
- Previous experience working alongside an in-house garage or maintenance team
Benefits
- Salary of £40,000-£50,000, depending on experience
- Company pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Training and development opportunities
- Funded professional development
- Employee referral scheme
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