Night Transport Manager

About us:

The Bread Factory is the UK's leading artisan bakery. Founded by Gail Meija in 1993, The Bread Factory, originally known as Gail Force, began by supplying some of London's most prestigious restaurants, including many with Michelin stars. More than three decades later, we continue to work closely with the best chefs, alongside grocers, foodservice partners and our own neighbourhood bakery, GAIL's.

The Bread Factory is synonymous with quality. We have been awarded more than 100 Great Taste Awards and have held a Royal Warrant since 2016, when it was first granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2024, the warrant was renewed by His Majesty The King.

We source our ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with farmers and millers who align with our values. The result: delicious, carefully made baked goods that support a more sustainable and nutritious food system; bringing great bread to more tables every day.

Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:

• Lead and manage the night transport operation, ensuring all deliveries are completed safely, efficiently, and on time.
• Monitor live transport activities throughout the shift, proactively identifying and resolving operational issues to minimise disruption.
• Work closely with the Planning team to improve route efficiency, optimise vehicle utilisation, reduce operational costs, and provide planning support during the absence of the Planning Manager.
• Collaborate with the Fleet team to maximise vehicle availability and ensure cost-effective use of transport resources.
• Manage driver attendance, absence, and welfare in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Conduct driver performance reviews, probation meetings, coaching sessions, and performance management activities where required.
• Lead and support both night and day shift drivers where operationally necessary, ensuring consistent standards across the transport function.
• Manage the driver rota (RHRP), ensuring appropriate staffing levels and arranging cover for absences or operational changes.
• Ensure full compliance with Working Time Regulations, Drivers' Hours, Road Transport legislation, health and safety requirements, and company operating procedures.
• Deliver coaching, training, and development to drivers to improve operational performance, safety, and customer service standards.
• Ensure all vehicles, equipment, and operational resources are prepared and available for the commencement of the day shift.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Customer Care, Account Managers, Warehouse Operations, Fleet, and other internal stakeholders to ensure service excellence.
• Attend daily operational handover meetings and provide accurate updates on transport performance, outstanding issues, and recovery plans.
• Produce accurate daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports, ensuring timely submission and data integrity.
• Investigate transport incidents, vehicle accidents, customer complaints, and operational failures, implementing corrective actions and conducting disciplinary investigations where appropriate.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
• Ensure effective use of transport management systems including Paragon, ePOD, Samsara, SharePoint, Delivery Instructions, and other operational platforms.
• Act as the senior operational point of contact during the night shift, making informed decisions to maintain service levels and operational continuity.
• KPI's: Retention on 90 days, Delivery Costs as % of Sale, On Time, Driver Safety Score and Van Fill %.

Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have:

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Previous experience in a Transport Manager, Transport Supervisor, or Logistics Management role.
• Strong understanding of transport legislation, Drivers' Hours, Working Time Regulations, and health & safety requirements.
• Proven experience managing driver teams within a fast-paced transport operation.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities with the capability to prioritise effectively under pressure.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to respond quickly to operational challenges.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent IT skills with experience using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, alongside Transport Management Systems.
• Experience using transport systems such as Paragon, Samsara, ePOD, SharePoint, or similar operational software.
• CPC National Road Haulage qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing multi-site or high-volume distribution operations.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and operational performance management.
• Experience conducting investigations, disciplinary hearings, and incident management.

What’s in it for you:

• Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends.
• 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants
• 24-hour GP service
• Cycle to work scheme