Job Description

Overview of role

--------------------

Location:

Gateshead

Salary:

44,440

Shift Pattern:

4 over 7 -

Dayshift | 42 hours | 6:30am - 4:30pm

Lead, Inspire & Drive Performance at Allied Bakeries

---------------------------------------------------------





At Allied Bakeries, home to some of the UK's best-loved bread brands, we're proud of our people, our heritage, and the vital role our transport teams play in keeping the nation fed. With a 4-star Glassdoor rating and a strong culture of internal development, this is a business where your leadership truly makes a difference. We're now looking for a

Transport First Line Manager

to join our

large, high-volume Gateshead transport operation

, managing a modern fleet of

32 vehicles across 21 delivery routes

. This is a

hands-on, visible leadership role

where you'll combine people management, compliance and continuous improvement within a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

Your Leadership Impact

--------------------------


You'll have responsibility for leading and developing a substantial operational team of:

8 Transport Coordinators

35 Drivers

14 Despatch colleagues (night shift)

- while this is a

daytime role

, you'll provide

clear guidance, direction and performance management oversight

for the wider 24/7 operation.





You'll play a key role within the site leadership team, with real autonomy to improve performance, culture and engagement.

What You'll Be Doing

------------------------


Leading, motivating and developing a large multi-skilled transport team



? Ensuring full compliance with

Tachograph, Drivers' Hours, Operator Licence and H&S legislation

Driving efficiency and performance using

WMS & transport systems

Monitoring KPIs across service, cost, safety and compliance



Recruiting, coaching and building long-term capability across your teams



Leading continuous improvement activity across transport and despatch operations



? Taking fast, decisive action to resolve operational issues and minimise risk



Working closely with Planning, Warehouse and Customer teams to deliver seamless service

What We're Looking For

--------------------------


Proven experience in

Transport, Distribution or Despatch operations

Previous

people management / supervisory experience

Strong working knowledge of

Transport Legal Compliance

Confident user of

Microsoft Office and transport systems

A calm, decisive leader with excellent communication and problem-solving skills ?

National CPC - essential

Shift Pattern - A Real Work/Life Balance Benefit

----------------------------------------------------


This role operates on a

4 over 7 dayshift pattern

, working

42 hours per week (6:30am - 4:30pm)

-- offering

predictable daytime working

, stability and an excellent work/life balance compared to many transport management roles.

Career Development and Progression

--------------------------------------


We are serious about developing our leaders. You'll benefit from:

Continuous professional learning opportunities

Access to our

FLM Aspiring Leaders Development Programme

Clear progression pathways into

Transport Manager and senior logistics leadership roles

What We Offer in Return

---------------------------


We know great leaders drive great results -- and we reward you properly for it:





?

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Healthcare cash plan, eye care & wellbeing support

Pension & Life Assurance

- up to 10% employer contribution



?

Retail discounts

at 500+ major retailers

Ongoing learning & leadership development

Financial wellbeing support & affordable loans

?

Electric car & cycle schemes

Recognition & reward programmes

??

Payroll giving supporting Save the Children

Next Steps

--------------



If you have experience leading transport teams and are looking for a stable

dayshift leadership role

with clear responsibility across a large operation, we'd be pleased to hear from you.