Assistant Transport Manager
Shepshed
Up to £45,000
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:00
1 in 4 Saturdays
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established and growing logistics business to recruit an Assistant Transport Manager into a newly created position.
This role has been introduced to support a very hands-on Transport Manager, with the aim of bringing in someone who can take ownership of both the operational and people management side of the function.
This is not a replacement role – it’s a genuine opportunity to step into a position where you can add value, influence the operation, and grow into a more senior role over time.
The Role
This is a hands-on operational leadership role within a general haulage environment, where you will be involved in:
- Daily general haulage transport planning and route optimisation (multi-client, varied loads)
- Managing drivers and day-to-day operational performance
- Monitoring delivery performance, KPIs, and service levels
- Managing vehicle utilisation, backloads, and reducing empty mileage
- Identifying inefficiencies and improving processes across the operation
- Challenging and enhancing existing planning processes
- Acting as a key point of contact between drivers, planning, and management
Alongside this, you will take ownership of the people management side of the role, including:
- Having direct conversations with drivers where standards are not being met
- Managing performance, conduct, and day-to-day behavioural issues
- Addressing discrepancies (fuel usage, vehicle misuse, etc.)
- Supporting disciplinary processes where required
This role requires someone confident enough to have difficult conversations, but with the professionalism to handle them in the right way.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a general haulage transport planning environment is essential
- Background within a traffic office planning multi-client, mixed-load operations
- Someone who has either:
- Already operated at Assistant Transport Manager level, or
- Is operating at Senior Planner / Transport Supervisor level and ready to step up
- Strong understanding of driver management and day-to-day haulage operations
- Experience managing backloads, route optimisation, and vehicle utilisation
- Confidence to challenge, manage, and hold drivers accountable
- Ability to think commercially and improve operational efficiency
- Someone who can “see the bigger picture” and not just follow the plan
- A proactive, hands-on approach
What’s Not Required
CPC is not required
This is not a compliance-heavy role – focus is operational and people management
Why This Role
- Genuine opportunity to step into a leadership position
- Ability to influence and shape the operation
- Work closely with an experienced, hands-on Transport Manager
- Progression potential as the structure evolves
- Stable and growing logistics business
If this sounds like the kind of role you’ve been waiting for – where you can actually make an impact rather than just follow a plan – please apply today!
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