Transport Manager

Freightliner is a leading UK intermodal logistics provider, offering rail, road and terminal solutions that connect ports, inland terminals and customer destinations across the UK. Through innovation, safety and sustainability, Freightliner delivers reliable, efficient and lower-carbon supply chain solutions for its customers.
In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.
Transport Manager – North West (Liverpool & Manchester)
Lead the Future of Container Transport at Freightliner
Are you an experienced transport leader who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment? Do you have the drive to lead large teams, deliver outstanding customer service, and continuously improve performance?
At Freightliner, we are looking for a dynamic and commercially focused Transport Manager to take ownership of our container transport operations across our Liverpool and Manchester sites.
This is a key leadership role within the North West operation, offering the opportunity to influence business performance, develop high-performing teams, strengthen customer relationships, and drive operational excellence across two strategically important locations.
What You'll Be Doing
As Transport Manager, you will have full responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of our Liverpool and Manchester transport operations.
You will lead and develop both transport teams, ensuring our customers receive a safe, efficient and industry-leading service while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, financial control and employee engagement.
Working closely with our Commercial, Customer Service and Operational teams, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting existing customer relationships, developing new opportunities, and delivering innovative transport solutions across the Freightliner network.
This role offers genuine variety, from leading operational performance and engaging with employees, to working with key customers, terminals, shipping lines and subcontractors to deliver exceptional service every day.
Why Join Freightliner?
At Freightliner, we move some of the UK's most important containerised freight. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to creating an environment where individuals can develop their careers, make an impact and be recognised for their contribution.
In this role you'll:
✅ Lead two high-profile transport operations across Liverpool and Manchester.
✅ Influence operational strategy and business performance.
✅ Build strong relationships with major customers and industry stakeholders.
✅ Work alongside experienced colleagues across commercial, planning and operational functions.
✅ Drive continuous improvement and operational innovation.
✅ Be empowered to make decisions and create positive change.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Lead the day-to-day management of container transport operations across Liverpool and Manchester.
Ensure the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of customer services.
Maximise fleet, driver and subcontractor utilisation.
Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
Monitor and improve operational performance against agreed KPIs.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, service levels and cost efficiency.
People Leadership
Lead, motivate and develop transport planning and operational teams across both sites.
Create a positive, high-performance culture focused on accountability and teamwork.
Support recruitment, training, coaching and succession planning.
Promote employee engagement and maintain strong communication across the operation.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with Trade Union representatives.
Customer & Commercial Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, shipping lines, terminals and key stakeholders.
Work closely with Freightliner's Commercial teams to retain and grow business opportunities.
Act as a senior operational contact for key customer accounts.
Ensure customer expectations are met through proactive communication and service recovery where required.
Support business growth through operational insight and customer-focused solutions.
Subcontractor Management
Develop strong relationships with Freightliner's subcontractor network.
Manage subcontractor performance, compliance and service delivery.
Ensure operational requirements are met through effective subcontractor engagement.
Seek opportunities to improve service levels and cost effectiveness through strategic partnerships.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Champion a strong safety culture across both sites.
Ensure compliance with all Freightliner policies, legal requirements and transport legislation.
Lead accident, incident and near-miss investigations.
Conduct regular operational reviews, audits and site inspections.
Promote best practice across all areas of transport operations.
Financial & Business Performance
Manage operational performance in line with budget and business objectives.
Monitor key operational costs and identify opportunities for improvement.
Support forecasting, budgeting and financial planning activities.
Deliver operational efficiencies while maintaining exceptional service standards.
What We're Looking For
Essential
Proven experience in a Transport Manager or Senior Transport Operations role.
Strong knowledge of container transport, haulage, logistics or intermodal operations.
Demonstrable experience of leading large operational teams.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong commercial awareness and customer focus.
Experience managing subcontractor relationships and performance.
Strong understanding of transport compliance and operational planning.
Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Desirable
National Transport Manager CPC qualification.
Experience within container logistics and port operations.
Experience working with trade unions.
Degree or equivalent qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain or Transport Management.
The Person
We're looking for a leader who:
Leads from the front and inspires others.
Builds strong and lasting relation