Container Transport Manager

Job description

We are recruiting on behalf of an established and growing logistics business looking for an experienced Container Transport Manager to lead a busy transport planning operation.

This is a senior operational role suited to someone with extensive experience in container haulage, traffic planning and team management, with strong knowledge of UK ports and container transport operations.

Felixstowe / Suffolk

£55,000 – £65,000 + Company Car

The Role:

• Lead and manage a busy team of Transport Operators / Planners

• Oversee container transport planning from Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton

• Ensure efficient fleet utilisation and effective allocation of drivers and vehicles

• Monitor operational revenue targets, service levels and overall performance

• Manage day-to-day operational issues and ensure problems are resolved quickly

• Maintain strong relationships and communication with drivers, customers and internal teams

• Oversee VBS bookings, helping to minimise wasted slots and unnecessary costs

• Monitor operational KPIs and daily performance statistics

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and service levels

• Ensure compliance with Working Time Directive, EU Drivers' Hours and relevant transport regulations

• Support a positive, high-performing culture across the transport operation

• Provide a professional point of contact for key operational and customer queries

• Occasionally travel to other depot locations when required

What We're Looking For:

• Significant experience within container transport / container haulage

• Strong hands-on experience of truck and traffic planning

• Minimum 5 years' experience leading an operational transport team

• Working knowledge of TOPS and container transport systems

• Strong understanding of port systems and VBS bookings

• Excellent knowledge of UK geography and major container ports

• Good understanding of driver hours and transport compliance

• Proven ability to manage a fast-paced traffic operation under pressure

• Strong leadership and people-management skills

• Commercial awareness and an understanding of operational performance

• Confident customer-facing and relationship-building skills

• Excellent problem-solving, organisational and communication skills

• Strong IT skills and attention to detail

What's On Offer:

• £55,000 – £65,000 salary, depending on experience

• Company car

• 23 days' holiday, increasing to 25 days with service

• Birthday off following successful probation

• Life assurance

• Company pension

• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

• Health & wellbeing subscription

• On-site parking

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Container Transport Operations Manager, Transport Manager, Traffic Manager or Senior Transport Planner looking to take ownership of a busy container transport operation.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Felixstowe

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

12-09-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English