Transport Operations Manager

About the Role

As the Transport Operations Manager, you will lead a large-scale transport operation, ensuring the safe, compliant, cost-effective and timely delivery of products to our customers in line with Bidfood's vision of being the UK's best foodservice provider.

Leading a team of transport team managers, planners and drivers, you will have overall responsibility for transport performance, fleet availability, customer service, compliance and financial delivery. You will oversee route planning, resource allocation, fleet utilisation and operational execution, ensuring Bidfood consistently deliver exceptional service whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety and legal compliance.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong commercial awareness, strategic thinking and a passion for continuous improvement. You will play a key role within the site leadership team, driving operational efficiency, developing high-performing teams and delivering sustainable business improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Transport Leadership Team and driver workforce.
• Act as the nominated Transport Manager and ensure ongoing compliance with Operator Licence undertakings.
• Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, Working Time Directive (WTD), Health & Safety requirements and company policies.
• Maintain a safe, compliant and efficient fleet operation through effective vehicle maintenance, defect management and vehicle availability planning.
• Deliver service, productivity, safety and compliance KPIs, including OTIF performance.
• Manage transport budgets, fleet costs and departmental financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on service, efficiency, productivity and cost reduction.
• Maximise fleet utilisation, route optimisation and resource planning.
• Analyse, report and act upon transport performance metrics, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Build strong relationships across Transport, Warehouse, Sales and Operations to deliver exceptional customer outcomes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, wellbeing and professional development.
• Drive the effective use of transport systems and technology, including route planning, telematics and performance management tools, to maximise operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all HR, employment legislation and company policy requirements.

What You'll Bring

• Transport Manager CPC qualified.
• Proven experience managing a large HGV fleet, including maintenance planning, defect management and vehicle compliance.
• Strong knowledge of transport legislation, Operator Licence requirements and compliance standards.
• Experience managing 80+ drivers and large transport leadership teams.
• Demonstrable experience managing transport budgets, departmental costs and fleet utilisation.
• Proven ability to deliver operational improvements and efficiency savings.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and performance management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
• Experience leading transport operations through peak seasonal demand.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A customer-first mindset with the ability to respond proactively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a transport role. It's an opportunity to lead a critical function within a successful and growing business.

You'll have the autonomy to drive improvements, the support to develop your teams and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on service, efficiency and operational excellence across the site.

Alongside a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, you'll join a business that values its people, invests in development and genuinely promotes from within.

 

Our journey began back in 1929. Since then, we’ve continued to build a strong and resilient business with a great future. It's why we believe we’re the best foodservice provider in the country.

 

A journey that gives back

 

We want your career with us to be as rewarding as possible. So, you’ll get lots in return for your hard work. That includes benefits that can support your wellbeing and financial security, and give you peace of mind.

 

 

We want everyone to join our journey

 

We’re on a journey towards creating the best possible workplace. We’ve got some way to go, but we’re building a diverse and caring workforce. One that’s filled with forward-thinking people who each bring unique talents and skills. So whatever your life experience, we want you to join us - and you really can come as you are!