Job Description:

Transport Manager

• Location: Birmingham
• Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum + up to 10% performance bonus
• Working Hours: Mon-Thu 08:00-17:00 | Early Finish Every Friday
• Benefits: Private Healthcare, 31 Days Holiday (increasing with service), Pension (4% match), Career Stability

Make Your Mark: A Rare Leadership Opportunity

Are you an experienced Transport professional looking for a role where you can truly take ownership, lead from the front, and build something of your own?

Our client is a growing, market-leading manufacturer expanding into new sectors. To support our ongoing growth, we are looking for our first dedicated Transport Manager to lead site operations in Birmingham.

Because we operate as a tight-knit, collaborative team, this role requires a unique balance: you must be comfortable operating at a senior level to shape strategy and compliance, while also remaining hands-on and ready to pitch in with junior tasks when needed. As the daily point of contact for our clients, exceptional customer service and communication are absolute keys to your success here.

The Role

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will manage a compact, dynamic team of operatives, drivers, and transport planners. You will hold full operational accountability for the movement of goods, fleet compliance, and ensuring our customers receive a seamless delivery experience from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Relations & Service: Act as the primary daily point of contact for customer queries, resolving issues swiftly and upholding our reputation for top-tier service.
• Hands-On Operations: Roll up your sleeves and pitch in with daily transport and operational tasks alongside your team when volume peaks or needs arise.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop transport planners, drivers, and staff to build a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Fleet & Transport Management: Manage day-to-day transport operations, route optimisation, vehicle utilisation, and cost control.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain strict adherence to UK transport legislation, Operator Licence requirements, DVSA regulations, driver hours, and Health & Safety policies.
• Process Improvement: Introduce continuous improvement initiatives across transport and logistics to reduce downtime, lower costs, and maximise efficiency.

About You

We are looking for a pragmatic, adaptable leader who thrives in an SME manufacturing environment. You enjoy a blend of high-level strategy and hands-on execution, and you possess the interpersonal warmth and professionalism to manage daily customer interactions seamlessly.

Essential Requirements:

• Proven experience managing transport/fleet operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable both operating at a senior level (compliance, strategy, leadership) and being hands-on with day-to-day tasks in a small team.
• Outstanding customer service skills with experience handling daily client contact.
• In-depth knowledge of UK transport legislation, DVSA regulations, and fleet compliance.
• Experience using Transport Management Systems (TMS) and strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong people leadership skills with a track record of supporting and developing operational teams.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

Desirable (Bonus) Criteria:

• CPC National/International in Road Haulage Operations (a strong advantage).
• Experience within an SME manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean).

What's on Offer?

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary up to £45,000 + up to 10% performance-related bonus.
• Great Work-Life Balance: Standard daytime hours (Mon-Thu) with an early finish every Friday.
• Generous Leave: 31 days paid holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 32 days after 3 years and 33 days after 5 years.
• Healthcare & Pension: Private healthcare package + 4% matched pension contribution.
• Culture & Stability: A friendly, team-oriented culture where your contribution directly shapes the success of the business.

How to Apply

If you are a hands-on, customer-focused Transport leader ready to take on a highly rewarding new challenge, we want to hear from you.

ASC Connections Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity.