Location: Northampton
Pay: £23.00–£27.00 per hour
Hours: 6:00am – 6:00pm
Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off
Assignment: 9 November – 24 December 2026
Duration: 7 weeks

About the RoleWe are looking for an experienced Transport Manager to take ownership of transport and despatch operations during the Peak period.This is a key operational leadership position within a busy Parcel Sort Centre. You will be responsible for leading the shift operation, managing Transport Planners, Site Managers and operational teams, and ensuring the work plan is delivered safely, efficiently and on time.

You’ll need to be confident making decisions, managing competing priorities and taking control when operational issues arise.

What You'll Be Doing

Take overall responsibility for the transport and despatch operation on your shift
Lead and coordinate Transport Planners, Site Managers and operational teams
Ensure the daily operational work plan and service commitments are achieved
Oversee transport movements, despatch bays and vehicle departures
Maximise vehicle utilisation and ensure vehicles leave at optimum capacity
Monitor operational performance, KPIs and service levels
Identify and resolve operational issues quickly
Manage contractor driver attendance and escalate no-shows
Ensure strict adherence to planned departure times and operational procedures
Ensure safe, compliant and legal operations across the shift
Manage operational risks, service failures and contingency plans
Ensure the Parcel Sort Centre is clear of all due parcels at the end of the shift
Work closely with internal teams, contractors and senior stakeholders
Provide clear direction and maintain accountability across the shift

What We're Looking ForWe're looking for an experienced transport or logistics professional with strong operational leadership experience.

You'll ideally have:

Experience managing transport, logistics, distribution or despatch operations
Experience leading multiple teams or operational functions
Experience managing or coordinating planners, managers and operational staff
Strong understanding of transport operations, vehicle utilisation and network flows
Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
The ability to manage performance and hold others accountable
Strong understanding of safety, compliance and operational procedures
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Confidence working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Good IT and Microsoft Office skills

Previous experience in transport management, transport control, logistics management, haulage, parcel operations, network operations or a similar senior operational environment would be highly desirable.

What's on Offer?

£23–£27 per hour
4 days on / 4 days off
6:00am – 6:00pm
Fixed 7-week Peak assignment
Senior operational responsibility
Opportunity to lead a high-volume transport and distribution operation
Fast-paced environment during the busiest period of the year

Ready for the challenge?If you're an experienced transport professional who can take control, make decisions and keep an operation moving under pressure, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this opportunity.

1 Transport management jobs in Watford, Northamptonshire