Acumen Automotive Logistics Ltd
Recovery Operations Manager
Harrogate, North Yorkshire | Full-time, Permanent
£40,000 – £48,000 per annum
Harrogate | Full-time | Permanent
About us
Acumen Automotive Logistics is one of the UK's leading vehicle transport and compound management businesses, operating nationally across multiple sites. We work with some of the most recognised names in the automotive industry, providing finished vehicle logistics, compound management, and technical services to OEM and fleet clients.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Recovery Operations Manager to take full ownership of our nationwide vehicle recovery function — managing a national supplier panel and serving as the primary operational contact for a large, multi-site client account.
The role
This is a hands-on management position that sits at the intersection of supplier management, client services, and real-time logistics operations. You will be responsible for ensuring vehicle recoveries are allocated promptly, collected on time, and processed without incident — while continuously developing the supplier network and client relationship that underpin the whole operation.
Key responsibilities
- Build, develop, and manage a vetted national panel of vehicle recovery sub-contractors, negotiating rates, SLAs, and geographic coverage commitments
- Manage the end-to-end recovery process — allocation, dispatch, tracking, and confirmation of collection — across a large, multi-site client account
- Monitor and report on on-time collection (OTC) performance; identify failure patterns and drive corrective action with supplier and operational teams
- Act as the primary day-to-day operational contact for the key client account, managing queries, escalations, and performance review meetings
- Produce regular MI reports covering recovery volumes, OTC rates, cost-per-recovery, and supplier scorecards
- Ensure all recovery activity is accurately captured in the operations system, maintaining full audit trails for billing and client reporting
- Identify capacity gaps or underperforming regions within the supplier panel and lead recruitment of new recovery operators
- Ensure all supplier partners hold appropriate insurance, accreditations, and compliance documentation
- Collaborate with the wider operations team on planning, peak period management, and process improvement initiatives
What we're looking for
- Demonstrable experience in a vehicle recovery, roadside assistance, or finished vehicle logistics environment
- Confident in supplier and subcontractor management — negotiating terms, managing performance, and holding partners to account
- Strong client relationship skills with experience managing a significant account at operational level
- Data-literate and comfortable producing KPI reporting and performance dashboards
- Calm under pressure with effective problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
- Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and confident in client-facing meetings
- Proficient in transport or fleet management systems; good working knowledge of Excel or equivalent
- Full UK driving licence
Package and benefits
- Salary: £40,000 – £48,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Company pension (auto-enrolment)
- Opportunity to grow within an expanding national business
Pay: £40,000.00-£48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- finished vehicle recovery logistics: 1 year (required)
- Fleet management: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
