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Transport & Operations Manager – Stoke on Trent

Closing Date: 16th July 2025

Vidu Group

About this position

Vidu are working on a super exciting opportunity in the search for a Transport & Operations Manager on behalf of a rapidly growing, privately owned logistics business.

Circa £38,000 basic salary (dependent on experience) plus 20 days holiday plus statutory, pension and excellent opportunities for career development and progression.

Our client has engaged with Vidu VIP to commence the initial search.

Our team of dedicated consultants will be your first point of contact when applying for this role

Your Mission:

Reporting directly into the Head of Transport, your role will be to oversee all aspects of the transport and operational functions.

You will be responsible for managing the timely delivery and collection, inbound/outbound trunking, ensuring full compliance with service levels, and legal requirements.

This is a very hands-on, high-pressure role suited to someone with deep knowledge of pallet network operations, route planning, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee daily operations including local collections, deliveries, general haulage, and inbound/outbound trunking.

In conjunction with the Commercial Manager, introduce new customers and services.

Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols.

Grow the efficiency of existing processes and procedures to enhance and sustain internal capacity.

Ensure on-time departures and arrivals in line with pallet network schedules and cut-off times.

Transport Management:
Plan, allocate, and monitor driver schedules, ensuring optimal vehicle utilisation and legal compliance (e.g., driver hours, tachographs).
Manage a mixed fleet of vehicles (rigid, artic, trailers, tail-lifts), ensuring regular maintenance and roadworthiness.
Handle fleet compliance with DVSA, and HSE.

Team Management:
Manage and motivate drivers, traffic planners, and admin support staff.
Conduct driver debriefs, appraisals, and training, particularly around safe loading, POD accuracy, and customer service.
Handle rota planning and shift management to cover AM/PM operations.

Customer & Network Liaison:
Act as point of contact for local customers regarding service queries and escalations.
Monitor and improve service levels, proactively managing delivery failures or customer complaints.
Maintain strong communication with central hub/network operations and fellow member depots.

Reporting & Compliance:
Assist with budgeting, cost control, and P&L tracking for the transport function.
Compliance reporting (Number of infringements, defects etc)

Skills and experience required

Previous experience as a Transport Manager.

CPC holder.

In depth understanding of transport laws and regulations.

Ability to lead and motivate a team of transport professionals.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Good working knowledge of MS, Excel and Transport Management Software.

Ability to identify and resolve problems.

Strong organisational and time management skills.