Head of Transport & Despatch / 70k / Immediate Start

Head of Transport & Despatch

Location: UK & ROI Level: Senior Leadership Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 DOE Hours: 37.5 per week (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:30pm)
Flexible start/finish times available

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader to oversee our Transport and Despatch operations across the UK and Ireland. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on business performance-ensuring full legal compliance, operational efficiency, and high levels of customer service. You will help shape and implement the long-term logistics strategy for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop high-performing Transport & Despatch teams across multiple sites.
• Define and execute department strategy aligned with overall business goals.
• Champion a culture of safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Monitor and drive key KPIs (e.g., OTIF, cost efficiency, safety, lead times).

• Oversee compliant and efficient transport operations across the UK and ROI.
• Act as the named CPC holder and ensure operator licence compliance (NI & UK).
• Manage the full vehicle lifecycle: procurement, utilisation, maintenance, and disposal.
• Ensure full driver compliance (licensing, CPC, tachograph, WTD).
• Own and manage the transport budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Lead relationships with subcontractors and manage cross-channel logistics (NI-GB).

• Ensure accurate and on-time despatch of goods to customers, sites, and branches.
• Work with production and planning teams to align schedules and optimise flow.
• Manage despatch operations, including staff allocation, performance, and training.
• Maintain high standards of quality control and ensure accurate ERP/MRP record-keeping.
• Oversee safe handling and loading, particularly of fragile items such as glass.
• Lead associated areas such as glazing, frame preparation, and glass protection.

• Build strong relationships with internal teams including Production, Quality Control, Customer Service, Credit Control, HR, and Health & Safety.
• Collaborate with transport planners to improve route efficiency and delivery performance.
• Ensure effective coordination and communication between Antrim and Lancaster sites.

About You

• Proven senior-level experience in transport, logistics, or despatch leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of UK & ROI transport legislation; CPC qualification essential.
• Strong experience managing multi-site operations and complex logistics functions.
• Financially astute with experience managing budgets and delivering efficiencies.
• Skilled in people leadership, team development, and performance management.
• Confident using ERP/MRP systems and leveraging data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communicator with strong planning and stakeholder engagement skills.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A high-impact leadership role with broad geographic responsibility.
• The opportunity to shape and drive logistics strategy across the UK and Ireland.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Interested? For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Phil Doherty at VANRATH.