Transport Manager

Behind every successful delivery is a transport operation that keeps people, vehicles and routes working together. From our Maltby warehouse to Gadsby’s Bakery, we need an efficient, reliable and well-managed fleet to keep our operations running smoothly.

We’re looking for a Transport Manager to oversee our fleet operations, ensuring our drivers are trained, our vehicles are safe and legally compliant, and our transport services deliver the best possible results.

This is a role where strong organisation, commercial awareness and a commitment to safety are essential. You’ll take responsibility for driver training, vehicle inspections, maintenance schedules and fleet performance, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and manage costs.

It’s about making sure our fleet is fit for purpose, our drivers feel supported and our deliveries reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

Driving performance across our fleet

Effective transport management is about bringing together people, vehicles, systems and processes to deliver a dependable service.

As Transport Manager, you’ll oversee driver training and health and safety compliance, ensuring our drivers have the knowledge and support they need to operate safely. You’ll also manage vehicle maintenance, inspections and legal requirements, helping to minimise downtime and keep our fleet roadworthy.

Alongside this, you’ll monitor fleet costs, supplier contracts and maintenance agreements, looking for opportunities to improve value and make better use of our resources. Working closely with the Senior Procurement and Property Operations Manager, you’ll contribute to fleet optimisation strategies and continuous improvement across our transport operations.

You’ll:

• Oversee driver training, vehicle inspections and health and safety compliance, promoting safe and efficient working practices across the fleet.

• Manage vehicle maintenance schedules and ensure vehicles remain licensed, tested and legally compliant, minimising downtime wherever possible.

• Ensure operating systems and communication devices are used effectively to support fleet performance and day-to-day transport operations.

• Monitor fleet expenditure, supplier contracts and maintenance agreements, identifying opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

• Work with the Senior Procurement and Property Operations Manager to develop fleet optimisation strategies, improve route planning and enhance service delivery across Maltby’s warehouse and Gadsby’s Bakery.

There’s plenty to balance in this role. You’ll need to keep on top of operational demands while looking ahead, identifying improvements and making sure decisions support the wider needs of the business.

Making every journey count

Being a Transport Manager is about more than keeping vehicles on the road. It’s about creating a safe, compliant and cost-effective transport operation that supports our colleagues, customers and wider business.

You’ll bring together practical fleet management, clear communication and a continuous improvement mindset to help us make the most of our vehicles, systems and resources. You’ll need to be confident managing competing priorities, working with suppliers and colleagues, and finding solutions that improve performance without compromising safety or service.

If you enjoy taking ownership, solving operational challenges and finding smarter ways to keep a transport operation moving, this could be the opportunity for you.

Someone who knows how to keep a fleet moving

This is a role where strong leadership, organisation and a proactive approach are essential. You’ll be trusted to oversee our fleet operations, support our drivers and ensure our vehicles remain safe, compliant and ready to meet the needs of the business.

We’re looking for a highly organised and proactive leader with a strong understanding of UK transport legislation, vehicle compliance and fleet operations. You’ll have experience managing commercial drivers and transport assets while balancing day-to-day operational demands with longer-term planning and improvement.

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of UK transport legislation, vehicle compliance, health and safety requirements and the standards needed to operate a commercial fleet safely.

• Experience managing drivers, vehicle maintenance and fleet operations, with the ability to coordinate training, inspections and maintenance schedules effectively.

• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, minimise vehicle downtime and maintain reliable transport services.

• Commercial awareness, including experience monitoring costs, working with suppliers and managing contracts, with a focus on improving efficiency and achieving value for money.

• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders to improve performance and implement change.

Our transport operations can be busy and varied, so you’ll need to be comfortable making decisions, responding to unexpected challenges and maintaining high standards under pressure. You’ll also take a proactive approach to continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to optimise routes, make better use of our fleet and strengthen service delivery across Maltby’s warehouse and Gadsby’s Bakery.

Rewarding you for the difference you make

Alongside the opportunity to take ownership of our fleet operations, influence how we work and make a positive contribution to the wider business, you'll receive a benefits package that's designed to support you:

• Up to 30 days' annual leave (including bank holidays), pro rata.

• A pension scheme with up to 12% employer contributions.

• Generous colleague discounts across our family of businesses.

• Annual discretionary colleague bonuses in recognition of your contribution.

• A range of wellbeing initiatives and opportunities to support our local communities.

We're committed to helping our colleagues learn, develop and build rewarding careers. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to develop fleet management strategies, lead improvements across our transport operations and work closely with colleagues to help shape an efficient and sustainable approach to fleet performance.

Ready to drive our transport operation forward?

If you're excited by the opportunity to lead a fleet operation, support our drivers and find smarter ways to improve safety, efficiency and service delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

A full job description is available to download on this page, providing further information about the responsibilities, experience and skills required for the role.

From a single store in 1861 we have grown to be one of the most successful co-operatives in the UK. We’re proud to be able to offer a wide range of services from across our family of businesses. From Food Stores and Pharmacies to Post Offices and Support Services, we’re a growing society made up of over 220 outlets and nearly 3,000 colleagues.

We're owned by our members, the people of Lincolnshire and surrounding counties, and have been for more than 160 years! Communities are at the heart of everything we do and motivates us to deliver more than great customer service. We support them by sharing dividend with our members, investing in new and improved services, raising money for charity through our Community Champion scheme, supporting local schools and so much more!

We work together as a Society and are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is barrier free and as inclusive as possible for everyone. If you need any adjustments, would like us to do anything differently during the interview or would like to get in touch with us about anything else, please contact our Recruitment team on (01522) 533316, or alternatively you can email [email protected].

We may choose to close our vacancies in the event that we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible.