Transport Manager

Applicants will only be considered with a covering letter and CV

Transport Manager (Experienced)

Direct Wholesale Foods (London) Ltd

Location: London
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About Us

Direct Wholesale Foods (London) Ltd is an established and growing wholesale distributor specialising in ice cream and frozen food products, supplying customers across London and the surrounding areas.

Operating a busy, fast-paced distribution network with a mixed fleet of 3.5-tonne and 7.5-tonne refrigerated commercial vehicles, we pride ourselves on reliability, operational efficiency and delivering excellent customer service.

We are seeking a highly experienced, proactive and commercially minded Transport Manager to take full responsibility for our transport department, fleet operations, regulatory compliance and the leadership of a substantial transport workforce.

This is a senior management position requiring a confident, hands-on professional with extensive transport industry experience, strong mechanical knowledge and a proven track record of successfully managing large teams and commercial vehicle fleets.

Applicants must hold a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and demonstrate substantial experience managing O-Licence compliance, mixed commercial vehicle fleets and teams of at least 30 employees.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations & Fleet Management

• Oversee the daily operation of a mixed fleet of 3.5t and 7.5t refrigerated commercial vehicles.
• Manage transport scheduling, driver allocation, route planning and daily delivery operations.
• Ensure efficient vehicle utilisation, cost-effective distribution and consistently high delivery performance.
• Take full responsibility for vehicle availability, servicing, MOTs, inspections, breakdowns and preventative maintenance.
• Monitor and control fleet expenditure, including fuel, repairs, maintenance and operating costs.
• Manage relationships with external garages, vehicle maintenance providers and fleet suppliers.
• Identify opportunities to improve fleet reliability, operational efficiency and overall productivity.

O-Licence & Transport Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable goods vehicle Operator's Licence (O-Licence) requirements and undertakings.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of DVSA regulations, Traffic Commissioner requirements and UK transport legislation.
• Oversee vehicle safety inspections, maintenance records, defect reporting and roadworthiness compliance.
• Ensure appropriate management of drivers' hours, tachograph records, working time regulations and associated documentation.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready transport records.
• Prepare for and manage DVSA & BRCGs inspections, compliance audits and regulatory reviews.
• Identify compliance risks and implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Act as the nominated Transport Manager on the company's Operator's Licence, subject to the necessary regulatory approval.

Vehicle Maintenance & Mechanical Knowledge

• Demonstrate strong practical mechanical knowledge of commercial vehicles, particularly 3.5t and 7.5t vehicles.
• Understand common mechanical faults involving engines, braking systems, suspension, transmissions and other critical components.
• Assess vehicle defects and ensure repairs are completed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Manage preventative maintenance programmes to minimise breakdowns and vehicle downtime.
• Monitor workshop performance, maintenance costs and vehicle repair standards.
• Ensure refrigerated vehicles and associated equipment remain fit for operational use.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate and manage a transport workforce of 30 or more employees, including drivers and transport support personnel.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, attendance, performance management and disciplinary procedures.
• Develop effective staff rotas and ensure appropriate workforce coverage.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability and professional working standards.
• Conduct regular team briefings, performance reviews and operational meetings.
• Promote a positive working environment focused on safety, efficiency, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Operational Performance & Business Improvement

• Monitor key performance indicators, including delivery success rates, vehicle utilisation, driver productivity, fleet costs and customer service.
• Investigate failed deliveries, accidents, operational incidents and customer complaints.
• Implement improvements to transport procedures, route planning and operational systems.
• Work closely with warehouse management and senior leadership to ensure efficient coordination between departments.
• Produce regular management reports covering transport performance, compliance, expenditure and operational improvements.
• Support the continued development and growth of the company's distribution operation.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants MUST demonstrate the following:

• Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Road Haulage, appropriate for a standard goods vehicle Operator's Licence.
• Extensive experience managing and maintaining compliance with a goods vehicle Operator's Licence (O-Licence).
• Significant experience in a Transport Manager or senior transport management position within a busy commercial distribution environment.
• Proven experience managing both 3.5-tonne and 7.5-tonne commercial vehicles.
• Demonstrable experience successfully managing teams of at least 30 employees.
• Strong practical mechanical knowledge and experience overseeing commercial vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DVSA regulations, vehicle roadworthiness, drivers' hours, tachographs and relevant transport legislation.
• Experience managing fleet maintenance programmes, servicing schedules, inspections and vehicle compliance records.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs and improve transport efficiency.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and make confident operational decisions.
• Competence in using transport management systems, reporting tools and Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Experience

• Previous appointment as a nominated Transport Manager on an Operator's Licence.
• Experience dealing directly with DVSA inspections, compliance investigations or Traffic Commissioner requirements.
• Experience within refrigerated transport, food distribution, FMCG or wholesale operations.
• Experience managing high-volume, multi-drop delivery operations across London and surrounding areas.
• Experience using fleet telematics, vehicle tracking systems and transport management software.
• Experience implementing operational improvements, restructuring transport departments or managing fleet expansion.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for considerably more than someone who can organise delivery routes.

The successful candidate will be an experienced transport professional who understands every aspect of a commercial distribution operation, from vehicle maintenance and regulatory compliance through to workforce management, operational efficiency and customer service.

You will be a confident, decisive and highly organised leader who takes ownership of the department, identifies potential problems before they arise and consistently drives improvements.

You must be comfortable managing a demanding, time-sensitive operation while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and professionalism.

This is a hands-on senior management role requiring proven experience, technical competence and the ability to lead a substantial transport operation independently.

What We Offer

• A senior management position within an established and growing wholesale distribution business.
• Responsibility for a substantial commercial fleet and transport workforce.
• The opportunity to influence and improve transport operations, systems and processes.
• Direct involvement with senior company leadership.
• A competitive salary reflecting experience, qualifications and responsibilities.
• A challenging and rewarding role with genuine responsibility and accountability.
• Staff Discount
• Pension
• NHS Top-Up Scheme

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a brief covering statement outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.

Your application should clearly demonstrate:

• Your Transport Manager CPC qualification.
• Your experience managing O-Licence compliance.
• Your experience managing mixed fleets of 3.5t and 7.5t vehicles.
• Your experience leading teams of 30 or more employees.
• Your practical knowledge of commercial vehicle maintenance and mechanical systems.

Please note: This is an experienced management position. Applicants who do not meet the essential qualification and experience requirements will not be considered.

Direct Wholesale Foods (London) Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. All applications will be considered on their individual merits against the requirements of the role.

Pay: £30,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking

Work Location: In person