Director of Logistics & Transport

Role Title: Director of Logistics and Transport

‍Sector/Environment: Industrial manufacturing and distribution company with national and international supply chain operations

‍Location: Hybrid / Warrington (Cheshire) – head office based with responsibility for multi-site UK logistics network

‍Contract Type: Permanent (via AVTAV executive placement or direct hire support)

‍Salary: £80,000 per annum basic + attractive benefits package (including performance bonus, company car/allowance, pension, private healthcare, and executive perks – details to be confirmed)

‍Reports To: Managing Director / CEO

‍Direct Reports: Transport Manager, Warehouse Manager, Planning & Compliance Team, Logistics Coordinators (team size approx. 8–12 direct/indirect)

Purpose of Role: To lead and strategically direct all aspects of logistics, transport, and supply chain operations for a high-volume industrial business. The Director will drive efficiency, cost optimisation, compliance, and service excellence across road freight, warehousing, inventory management, and third-party logistics partnerships, ensuring seamless support for production, customer delivery, and business growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the overall logistics and transport strategy aligned with company goals, including long-term planning, fleet optimisation, and multi-modal transport solutions (road, rail, intermodal where applicable).
• Oversee daily transport operations, route planning, vehicle utilisation, driver management, and subcontractor performance to achieve maximum efficiency and on-time delivery KPIs.
• Manage warehousing and distribution centres, including stock control, inventory accuracy, space utilisation, and process improvements (e.g., WMS implementation, lean methodologies).
• Lead supplier and carrier relationship management, negotiating contracts, rates, and SLAs with hauliers, 3PL providers, and key stakeholders to drive cost savings and service improvements.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance across all transport activities (Working Time Directive, tachograph rules, drivers’ hours, Operator’s Licence, ADR if hazardous goods involved, environmental standards).
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (transport costs per unit, on-time in-full delivery, fuel efficiency, accident/incident rates, carbon footprint) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for the logistics function, delivering year-on-year savings while maintaining or improving service levels.
• Build and develop a high-performing logistics team through recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Collaborate closely with production, sales, procurement, and finance teams to align logistics with demand planning, capacity, and customer requirements.
• Drive adoption of technology (TMS, WMS, telematics, route optimisation software) and innovation to future-proof the supply chain.
• Manage risk, crisis response (e.g., driver shortages, fuel crises, port disruptions), and business continuity planning for the logistics function.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 10+ years’ progressive experience in logistics and transport management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership / director-level role within industrial, manufacturing, distribution, or heavy haulage sectors.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale logistics operations, managing multi-site teams, and delivering significant cost reductions and efficiency gains.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating high-value transport and 3PL contracts.
• Deep knowledge of UK/EU road transport regulations, Operator’s Licence compliance, and best-practice fleet management.
• Experience implementing and optimising TMS/WMS systems and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a history of building high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, budgeting, and project management abilities.
• Full UK driving licence (clean and valid).
• Right to Work in the UK (valid documentation required).

Desirable:

• Degree or professional qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management (e.g., CILT Diploma, CPC National/International).
• Experience with international freight forwarding, customs procedures, or multi-modal transport.
• Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement certification.
• Previous experience in Warrington/North West industrial logistics environment (advantageous due to regional transport networks).

Benefits Package:

• Basic salary: £80,000 per annum
• Performance-related bonus (typically 15–25% of basic, paid annually)
• Company car or car allowance
• Private healthcare / medical insurance
• Pension scheme with generous employer contribution
• 25+ days holiday + bank holidays
• Life assurance and other executive benefits
• Professional development support (e.g., CILT membership, executive coaching)

‍

• Basic salary: £80,000 per annum
• Performance-related bonus (typically 15–25% of basic, paid annually)
• Company car or car allowance
• Private healthcare / medical insurance
• Pension scheme with generous employer contribution
• 25+ days holiday + bank holidays
• Life assurance and other executive benefits
• Professional development support (e.g., CILT membership, executive coaching)

‍