Plant & Transport Operations Manager
Location: Sandbach, Cheshire
About GroundShore
GroundShore Limited is one of the UK's leading temporary works and specialist equipment hire companies. Operating nationwide from multiple depots, we provide shoring systems, welfare units, piling equipment, excavator attachments, tankers and specialist plant to the construction, utilities and infrastructure sectors.
Due to continued growth, we are looking for an experienced Plant & Transport Operations Manager to join our Head Office team in Sandbach.
This is a fast-paced role requiring excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining the highest standards of customer service, compliance and fleet utilisation.
The Role
You will be responsible for coordinating our nationwide fleet of HGVs, tippers, flatbed vehicles, tankers, welfare delivery vehicles and specialist plant transport.
Working closely with our Hire Desk, Workshop and Operations teams, you will ensure equipment is delivered safely, efficiently and on time while keeping our fleet compliant and fully maintained.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate the daily movement of tippers, flatbed wagons, tankers, welfare vehicles and specialist transport.
- Schedule all customer deliveries, collections and internal fleet movements.
- Allocate drivers and vehicles to maximise fleet utilisation.
- Coordinate servicing, inspections, MOTs and preventative maintenance across the fleet.
- Liaise with the workshop to minimise downtime and prioritise repairs.
- Monitor vehicle defects and ensure they are rectified promptly.
- Manage driver hours, tachograph compliance and Working Time Directive requirements.
- Ensure full compliance with DVSA Operator Licence obligations and FORS standards.
- Arrange breakdown recovery and replacement vehicles when required.
- Monitor transport performance, utilisation and operating costs.
- Maintain accurate transport and maintenance records.
- Work closely with customers, depots, suppliers and drivers to deliver exceptional service.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance fleet performance.
- Keep up to date with transport legislation and industry best practice.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience managing a busy transport operation.
- Experience coordinating a mixed fleet of HGVs and commercial vehicles.
- Transport Manager CPC qualification (preferred).
- Excellent understanding of DVSA regulations and operator licence compliance.
- Strong knowledge of tachograph legislation and drivers' hours.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Experience within plant hire, construction or heavy equipment hire.
- Knowledge of welfare cabin transport and specialist plant movements.
- Experience using transport planning software.
- FORS experience.
- Knowledge of workshop maintenance scheduling.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company vehicle.
- Pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Long-term career progression within one of the UK's fastest-growing specialist hire businesses.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems and keeping operations moving. Every day is different, and you'll be responsible for ensuring that our fleet, drivers and equipment are in the right place at the right time while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and customer service.
This version is much closer to the role you've described. It targets candidates who can run an entire transport operation, rather than someone whose role is simply booking loads.
Pay: £32,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
