Job Description

About Mercia Garden Products Ltd & Waltons

We have been shaping British gardens since 1878. As one of the UK's leading manufacturers and retailers of sheds, summerhouses, and outdoor garden buildings, we take pride in designing products that blend tradition with innovation.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Logistics Manager to oversee and coordinate all aspects of our transportation operations. This role is crucial to ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective movement of products while maintaining high standards of customer service and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Managing Director, the ideal Candidate will bring strong leadership, organisational, and analytical skills to drive operational excellence and Continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Delivery Planning & Scheduling

- Develop and implement efficient transportation strategies.

- Plan optimal routes and delivery schedules to meet customer expectations and deadlines.

- Coordinate timely dispatch and allocation of vehicles and drivers.

Fleet Management

- Ensure all vehicles are properly maintained, serviced, and roadworthy.

- Oversee vehicle acquisition, inspections, MOTs, insurance, and registration.

- Manage breakdowns and incident reporting promptly and effectively.

Driver Management

- Recruit, train, and manage a team of drivers and logistics personnel.

- Ensure driver compliance with legal regulations including hours of service, licensing, and tachograph use.

- Monitor driver performance and promote safety culture and best practices.

Regulatory Compliance

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of transportation laws and industry standards (e.g., DVSA, HGV regulations, CPC requirements).

- Ensure full compliance with health & safety, environmental, and legal requirements.

- Prepare for audits and regulatory inspections as required.

Cost & Efficiency Management

- Monitor and control transportation-related costs and budgets.

- Analyse and report on fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and route efficiency.

- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising service levels.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations

- Serve as a primary point of contact for transportation-related enquiries.

- Maintain strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.

- Proactively resolve any transportation issues or service disruptions.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

- Track KPIs including on-time deliveries, fuel usage, vehicle utilisation, and driver performance.

- Provide regular reports to senior management with insights and recommendations.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, coach, and develop the logistics team to meet business objectives.

- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and performance.

- Support succession planning and career development for logistics staff.

Technology & Systems

- Utilise logistics software, route planning tools, and GPS tracking systems.

- Leverage data for informed decision-making and operational improvements.

- Stay updated with new technologies to enhance transportation efficiency.

Skills & Qualifications

- Proven experience in a Transport Manager or similar logistics role.

- Strong knowledge of transport legislation, fleet management, and road safety.

- CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualification required.

- Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills.

- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

- Proficient with logistics/transport software and Microsoft Office.

- Analytical mind-set with strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.

- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

- Familiarity with sustainable logistics practices is a plus.

Desirable

- Experience with telematics and fleet tracking systems.

- Knowledge of international transport regulations (if applicable).

- Understanding of environmental impacts and carbon reduction in logistics.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:

Newark-on-Trent NG23 6QN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Logistics Management: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Transport Manager CPC (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 16/06/2025