Transport Manager

Chippindale Plant Ltd is a leading independent plant hire company operating across the North of England. We are committed to operational excellence, fleet efficiency, and outstanding customer service. We are seeking an experienced Transport Manager to oversee the management and utilisation of our transport fleet across all eight depots, ensuring compliance, cost control, and operational efficiency.

Role Overview

The Transport Manager will be responsible for maximising the utilisation and efficiency of the transport fleet, ensuring vehicles are available, compliant, and well-maintained to support business operations. You must hold a Transport Managers CPC Qualification

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Utilisation & Operational Efficiency

• Ensure the transport fleet is fully utilised across all eight depots, minimising downtime, and ensuring availability.
• Monitor fleet performance, ensuring vehicles are deployed effectively to meet business needs.
• Identify opportunities to optimise vehicle usage, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
• Work closely with depot managers to align transport resources with operational requirements.

Fleet Maintenance & Compliance

• Oversee all vehicle servicing, maintenance, and inspections, ensuring compliance with DVSA and Operator Licence requirements.
• Ensure all vehicles are roadworthy, taxed, and fully compliant with regulatory and safety standards.
• Manage MOT schedules, defect reporting, and necessary repairs to prevent downtime.
• Implement preventative maintenance programmes to reduce breakdowns and improve reliability.
• Maintain accurate records of all vehicle compliance, inspections, and servicing.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence obligations and DVSA regulations.
• Ensure drivers comply with tachograph regulations, working time directives, and daily vehicle checks.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments, ensuring adherence to transport compliance laws.
• Investigate transport-related incidents, accidents, and near misses, implementing corrective actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring best practices in transport operations.

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead the transport teams across all depots, ensuring a high-performance culture.
• Oversee driver training, compliance, and ongoing development to maintain high standards.
• Support depot teams with transport-related issues, providing guidance and ensuring consistency.
• Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders, ensuring smooth operations across the business.

Cost Control & Commercial Efficiency

• Monitor transport budgets, costs, and KPIs, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements.
• Oversee fuel management, tracking usage and identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
• Manage supplier contracts related to fleet servicing, fuel, and third-party transport providers.
• Implement initiatives to optimise fleet running costs while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Track key transport metrics such as vehicle uptime, fuel efficiency, and maintenance costs.
• Recommend strategic improvements based on performance data and operational insights.

General Business Reporting & Management Duties

• Produce month end reports required by the business for planning purposes.
• Provide hire desk cover for holidays and emergencies.