Container Transport Manager

We are recruiting on behalf of an established and growing logistics business looking for an experienced Container Transport Manager to lead a busy transport planning operation.

This is a senior operational role suited to someone with extensive experience in container haulage, traffic planning and team management , with strong knowledge of UK ports and container transport operations.

Felixstowe / Suffolk

£55,000 – £65,000 + Company Car

The Role:

• Lead and manage a busy team of Transport Operators / Planners
• Oversee container transport planning from Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton
• Ensure efficient fleet utilisation and effective allocation of drivers and vehicles
• Monitor operational revenue targets, service levels and overall performance
• Manage day‑to‑day operational issues and ensure problems are resolved quickly
• Maintain strong relationships and communication with drivers, customers and internal teams
• Oversee VBS bookings , helping to minimise wasted slots and unnecessary costs
• Monitor operational KPIs and daily performance statistics
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and service levels
• Ensure compliance with Working Time Directive, EU Drivers' Hours and relevant transport regulations
• Support a positive, high‑performing culture across the transport operation
• Provide a professional point of contact for key operational and customer queries
• Occasionally travel to other depot locations when required

What We're Looking For:

• Significant experience within container transport / container haulage
• Strong hands‑on experience of truck and traffic planning
• Minimum 5 years' experience leading an operational transport team
• Working knowledge of TOPS and container transport systems
• Strong understanding of port systems and VBS bookings
• Excellent knowledge of UK geography and major container ports
• Good understanding of driver hours and transport compliance
• Proven ability to manage a fast‑paced traffic operation under pressure
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of operational performance
• Confident customer‑facing and relationship‑building skills
• Excellent problem‑solving, organisational and communication skills
• Strong IT skills and attention to detail

What's On Offer:

• £55,000 – £65,000 salary , depending on experience
• Company car
• 23 days' holiday, increasing to 25 days with service
• Birthday off following successful probation
• Life assurance
• Company pension
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Health & wellbeing subscription
• On-site parking

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Container Transport Operations Manager, Transport Manager, Traffic Manager or Senior Transport Planner looking to take ownership of a busy container transport operation.

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