Head of Transport Operations

Head of Transport Operations

Role Purpose

The Head of Transport Operations is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Flannery's transport fleet, ensuring plant, machinery, and attachments are moved efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively between depots and customer sites.

This role is operationally driven, focusing on fleet utilisation, transport planning, depot coordination, driver performance, and service delivery. Compliance and regulatory requirements are overseen but are not the primary focus of the role.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the daily transport operation across all depots, ensuring smooth coordination of vehicle movements and minimal downtime.

· Oversee transport planning and scheduling, balancing customer demand, depot capacity, and fleet availability.

· Drive high levels of fleet utilisation, reducing empty mileage and improving turnaround times.

· Act as the senior escalation point for transport issues impacting customer delivery.

· Work closely with Depot Managers, Transport Managers, and Planners to align transport activity with operational priorities.

· Ensure consistent transport processes and ways of working across all locations.

· Provide leadership to transport and fleet teams, setting clear expectations around performance, productivity, and service.

· Support depot-level transport teams in managing driver resources, shift patterns, and workload peaks.

· Promote a strong operational culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

· Monitor and improve transport KPIs such as delivery performance, utilisation, cost per movement, and downtime.

· Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs through smarter planning, asset sharing between depots, and fleet optimisation.

· Support fleet investment decisions by providing operational insight on vehicle types, numbers, and deployment.

· Drive effective use of transport management systems, telematics, and planning tools to improve visibility and decision-making.

· Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline transport workflows and remove inefficiencies.

· Support change initiatives relating to fleet growth, depot expansion, or new operating models.

· Ensure appropriate structures are in place at depot level to meet legal and safety requirements.

· Work alongside compliance and HSEQ teams, providing operational input and support where required.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven senior experience in transport or fleet operations management across multiple sites or depots.

• Strong background in day-to-day transport planning and fleet utilisation, ideally within plant hire, construction, or heavy logistics.

• Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams.

• Commercially and operationally minded with a hands-on approach.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions in fast-paced environments.

Desirable

• Experience operating HGV, low-loader, or specialist plant transport fleets.

• Familiarity with transport management and telematics systems.

• CPC qualification or working knowledge of transport compliance (not essential).

Personal Attributes

• Highly operational and delivery-focused

• Comfortable working at pace across multiple depots

• Pragmatic, solutions-driven, and commercially aware

• Strong communicator who can influence at all levels

• Willing to be visible in depots and on the ground

Why Join Flannery

• Competitive Salary: We offer a highly competitive salary and package that reflects your skills and experience.

• Generous Leave: Enjoy 24 days plus bank holiday annual leave and personal leave to maintain a healthy work life balance.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance your skills and advance your career.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to free, confidential support services for personal and work-related issues.

• Environmental and Safety Commitment: Join a company that prioritises safety and sustainability, ensuring a safe and Eco-friendly working environment.

• Modern Equipment: Work with the best and latest plant and machinery in the industry.

• Team Oriented Culture: Be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values each member’s contribution.

• Recognition Programs: Acknowledge and reward outstanding performance and dedication with various recognition programs.

At Flannery Plant Hire, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.