Transport Operations Manager

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Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Transport Operations Manager to oversee the transport operations in the Midlands (Islip & Thrapston) for our Primark contract. This pivotal role will involve managing a large team, including 171 drivers, 12 transport clerks, 8 team leaders, and 4 shift managers, ensuring the delivery of exceptional service to our customer, Primark. This is a site-based operational management role, directly reporting into the Contract General Manager. The Transport Operations Manager will play a crucial role in driving operational excellence, improving efficiencies, and maintaining the highest levels of safety and compliance within the transport function.

This role is integral to ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of goods, managing a complex and dynamic operation, and leading a team to consistently meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs). The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the daily transport operations, fleet management, and delivery scheduling, ensuring that Primark's requirements are consistently met while optimising cost efficiency and operational performance. Demonstrate a leadership approach that promotes an inclusive culture, leading to high levels of trust which drives a high performing team whilst also meeting legal, KPI and budgetary targets. This role allows for stretch and growth with overall responsibility, whilst also supporting wider projects/initiatives.

How will you contribute?

• Provide a genuine and authentic leadership for the Transport Operations team, including Planning and Fleet
• Work in conjunction with the planning team and broader leadership team on annual horizon to identify key events and the operational capability of delivering these
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation and implement adjustments accordingly
• Deliver continuous improvement to KPI performance, understanding the business and cost implications of decisions made
• Day to day risk management and compliance, operating within legislation, policy and process in all matters ranging from people management to safety, health and environment
• Responsible for the day-to-day people management for direct reports, as well as talent identification, driving development and succession planning
• Manage robust business continuity plan
• Identify operational efficiencies and lead continuous improvement initiatives, implementing solutions effectively and as a 'change agent'
• Accountable for the development of and implementation of the People and Talent Plan for your Operation
• Ensures that the 'customer' is at the centre of every decision-making process so that the needs of the depot and the stores we serve are balanced to do the right thing for the 'customer' every time
• Manage third party SLAs (with Procurement)
• Work with the broader leadership team to identify Opportunities for further operational optimisation, understanding the balance between service and cost
• Influence, manage and maintain internal and external relationships across a variety of stakeholders, including Union partnerships
• Support the People Plan and accurate colleague life-cycle through use of the People business model
• Work collaboratively with other Depots/Teams across customer portfolio, Wincanton and other logistics partners to get the best possible results, sharing knowledge and best practice

What will you bring?

Proactive: Taking charge; energetic; motivated; dynamic; creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.

Adaptable: Flexible; versatile; ability to change your ideas or behaviour to deal with new situations

Resilient: Strong, adaptable, flexible. inspired, driven. Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions / situations

Leadership Behaviours: Be Bold; Be Curious; Be Engaging

• CPC License is required, as this will allow you to hold the Operations License which holds you to account for the Transport Operation
• Have a detailed understanding of the relevant legislation, policy and process in all matters relating to your working location and be able to apply this, including Health & Safety, Trade Union legislation and Employment Law i.e., working time directive
• Able to make decisions and judgement calls independently
• Positive approach in leading change and are effective in dealing with resistance
• When to go into the detail and when to rely on other's judgement
• Be able to effectively prioritise what is adding value to the 'end goal' and cut out the rest
• Build strong collaborative working relationships and communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders across a variety of levels with the confidence to challenge and influence
• Ability to lead, engage and inspire others to deliver successful results
• Confident in making critical time-pressured decisions in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, with consideration of the audience and the potential impact
• Face into difficult conversations with confidence, remaining consistent in your message whilst showing sureness in your rationale and direction of travel
• Proactive and independent minded in managing your own personal development, understanding the importance of continuous self-development and role model this within your team
• An awareness of working in a highly Unionised environment and an understanding of the importance of building positive and mutually beneficial relationships with these key stakeholders
• Embed activities to drive high levels of colleague engagement and inclusivity, following 'The Wincanton Way' code of conduct

Our Culture & Benefits

In addition to generous remuneration, we really value our people and offer a friendly, safety-first working environment, along with other benefits including company pension scheme, generous holidays, cycle to work scheme, employee benefits include, online discount platform, onsite parking and much more.

Our people are at the core of our business and what makes Wincanton great. That's why we also provide significant opportunities for career development and progression, as well as training enrichment and multi-skilling, in a dynamic working environment.

Be a part of our values; We're Thoughtful, We're Aiming High and We're Prepared.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all employees. We strive for an environment where all colleagues feel included, supported and valued, whilst feeling they can be their whole selves within our workplaces. We are proud that our colleagues represent us and our successes and we welcome your application.

Find out more: Wincanton champions a diverse workforce

About Us

Wincanton is a leading supply chain partner for British business, providing supply chain solutions up and down the country. Through a wealth of experience and knowledge Wincanton provides business critical services including storage, handling and distribution; high volume eFulfilment; retailer 'dark stores'; two-person home delivery; fleet and transport management; and network optimisation for many of the UK's best-known companies.