Transport Operations Manager

About the Role

Transport Operations Manager | Belfast | Logistics | £70k+

About the Opportunity

A leading logistics business is seeking an experienced Transport Operations Manager to oversee and develop transport operations across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Operating within a fast-paced transport business, this role offers the opportunity to join a growing organisation.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping operational strategy, driving performance improvements, supporting business growth and ensuring exceptional service delivery across a complex transport network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop transport operations across multiple locations, ensuring efficient and effective day-to-day performance.

• Drive strategic and operational objectives while balancing the demands of a busy transport environment.

• Identify, implement, and optimise operational systems, processes, and controls to support continuous improvement and business change.

• Manage the integration and development of transport planning, telematics, and journey management systems.

• Analyse operational performance data and prepare reports and recommendations for senior leadership.

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant transport legislation, operator licensing requirements, and health and safety standards.

• Champion a strong safety culture across the transport function.

• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, fleet utilisation, load fill, and operational efficiency.

• Evaluate and optimise the use of in-house fleet resources versus subcontracted transport solutions.

• Ensure customer service standards and service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently achieved.

• Manage departmental budgets and drive cost control initiatives.

• Lead all people management activities, including employee engagement, performance management, attendance management, employee relations, disciplinary, and grievance processes.

• Build a positive, high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

• Proactively manage labour and resource planning to meet changing customer demands and business requirements.

Essential Requirement

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Transport Operations Management role within logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations

• Proven experience leading transport teams and managing large-scale, fast-paced transport operations

• Strong commercial and financial awareness, including budget management, cost control, and performance monitoring

• Experience using Transport Management Systems (TMS), telematics, fleet management technology, and operational reporting tools

• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement, manage change, and implement operational efficiencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage teams

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across multiple business functions and building strong customer relationships

• Thorough understanding of transport legislation, compliance requirements, and health & safety standards

• A strategic, solutions-focused approach combined with strong operational delivery and decision-making skills.

Desirable Requirements

• International Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification.

• Experience within temperature-controlled logistics operations whether in-house or 3PL

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Private healthcare.

• Company pension scheme with employer contribution.

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement based on length of service.

• Life assurance / death-in-service benefit.

• Ongoing professional development and certified training opportunities.

• Career progression within a growing organisation.

• Additional company benefits.

BH36348