MRD Recruitment is currently recruiting a Transport Manager to join one of our clients based in Renfrew.
About the Company
Our client is a well-established and rapidly growing food wholesaler supplying a diverse range of fresh, chilled, and ambient products to hospitality, retail, and catering customers. With a strong reputation for reliability and quality, they are seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead and optimise their distribution operations.
Role Overview
The Transport Manager will be responsible for overseeing the daily transport operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of goods. This role is critical in maintaining high service levels while managing fleet performance, driver teams, and regulatory compliance within a fast-paced food distribution environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage the end-to-end transport operation, including route planning, scheduling, and dispatch
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods, meeting customer service and SLA requirements
- Lead, manage, and develop a team of drivers and transport staff
- Ensure full compliance with all transport legislation, including vehicle maintenance, driver hours, and tachograph regulations
- Monitor fleet performance, utilisation, and costs, identifying opportunities for improvement
- Implement and maintain health & safety standards across all transport activities
- Manage transport budgets, fuel usage, and operational costs
- Liaise with warehouse and operations teams to ensure seamless coordination
- Handle any delivery issues, customer complaints, or service disruptions effectively
- Maintain accurate records and reporting on KPIs such as delivery performance, cost per drop, and driver efficiency
Key Requirements
- Proven experience in a Transport Manager or similar logistics leadership role, ideally within food distribution or FMCG
- Strong knowledge of UK transport regulations, compliance, and fleet management
- CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualification – essential
- Experience managing multi-drop delivery operations
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, time-critical environment
- Proficiency in transport management systems (TMS) and Microsoft Office
Desirable
- Experience working with temperature-controlled logistics (chilled/frozen goods)
- Knowledge of route optimisation software
- Continuous improvement or lean experience
Key Competencies
- Leadership and team development
- Attention to detail and compliance focus
- Commercial awareness
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to manage pressure and meet deadlines
