Job Title: Transport Planning & Optimisation Manager
Reports to: Head of Operations
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 + 10% Management Bonus
Reports: Transport Planning Lead & Transport Operations & Compliance Lead
Benefits:
- Private medical insurance
- Free on-site gym
- Increasing annual leave with service
- Additional annual leave salary sacrifice scheme
- Employee discount platform
- med24 digital GP
- EAP
- Bike2work
- Much More!
Job Purpose: Deanta UK Ltd is a leading supplier of premium internal doors, operating a national distribution fleet from our Ely headquarters and Haydock depot. As part of a major transformation of our transport operation, we are seeking a commercially minded and data-driven Transport Planning & Optimisation Manager to lead our end-to-end transport function.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for transport planning, operational performance, fleet utilisation, compliance, and continuous improvement across a multi-site distribution network. The role is primarily based in Ely, with occasional travel to other company depots as required.
You will oversee the network structure of both planning and operational transport teams, using data, systems, and optimisation tools to improve service levels, increase efficiency, and reduce overall cost-to-serve, and support the development and retention of a high-performing driver workforce.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the overall transport operation across planning, routing, fleet operations, and execution.
- Oversee route optimisation, transport planning, and operational delivery.
- Develop and drive KPI reporting and performance improvement across service, utilisation, and cost.
- Conduct network driver and fleet utilisation analysis to identify operational efficiencies and improvement opportunities
- Lead driver recruitment and retention strategy, including agency management, recruitment planning, salary and bonus structures, and performance management processes.
- Manage transport budgets, subcontractor usage, and fleet utilisation.
- Ensure compliance with Operator Licence requirements, Drivers’ Hours Regulations, Working Time Directive, and Driver CPC regulations.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across transport systems, processes, and performance.
Skills & Experience Required:
- Proven experience in transport planning, route optimisation, or transport operations leadership within a UK multi-drop distribution environment.
- Strong understanding of UK transport compliance, including Drivers’ Hours Regulations, Working Time Directive, Driver CPC, and Operator Licence requirements.
- Transport Manager CPC (Road Haulage) desirable, or equivalent experience operating within a UK Operator Licence environment.
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
- Strong leadership experience managing transport teams, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Personal Attributes:
- Data-driven and commercially minded with a strong focus on efficiency and service performance.
- Proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to take ownership and drive change.
- Calm and resilient under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Hands-on, adaptable, and collaborative in approach.
Pay: £60,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
