Head of Transport Operations

Stobart (Part of the Culina Group) is a leading ambient transport and logistics business, providing services to many of the UK’s best-known brands across core consumer and retail sectors.

At Culina, we have a winning culture; we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive. A place where you're valued, challenged, and inspired!

As the Head of Operations, you will have full ownership and responsibility for multiple contract P&Ls. You will have overall responsibility for the financial performance of the Sector, operating within a clear remit to maximize revenue, control costs, and drive profits while ensuring a proactive approach to reduce and address inefficiencies. There is a huge emphasis on customer relations and communication that have a direct correlation to the revenue and profit of the business.

The role will be responsible for creating a continuous improvement culture via engagement. You will lead, develop, and manage your direct reports positively and drive a high-performing culture and engaged workforce through effective open communication and strong leadership.

• Full operational ownership and responsibility for the running of the operational function within the business, including performance and management of the Operations team and associated results and successes.
• Be the lead role for all project management including new business start-ups, TUPE, and tenders.
• Responsible for ensuring the team works collaboratively with the MY Workforce team and that expectations and deliverables are met.
• Take the lead in resolving unforeseen problems as they arise, ensuring appropriate resolution and taking necessary action to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Take ownership and work collaboratively with central support functions when projects arise, including the implementation of new systems. Lead on and be accountable for the delivery of actions.
• Ensure service delivery meets defined results while driving best practices and continuous improvement in cost control and productivity across all contracts.
• Deliver improving financial performance for the overall operation and across contracts, meeting budget commitments.
• Responsible for the leadership and development of the team, including implementation and delivery of the people agenda.
• Responsible for developing direct reports and teams, creating succession plans to grow talent from within and using tools provided to manage talent within the business.
• Support and continually encourage personal development and actively promote the importance of development.
• Recognize underperformance and coach and develop individuals to ensure performance improvement.
• Build strong relationships with Health & Safety, Compliance, and My Workforce Teams, regularly chairing meetings. Ensure the forums' action plans are followed through to completion and drive continuous improvement.
• Responsible for overall driver welfare, engagement, and retention.
• Work collaboratively in our commercial environment to ensure contracts are commercially viable and revenue is maximized with all current and future customers.
• Take accountability for understanding your business unit pipeline and work collaboratively with the business and relevant stakeholders to influence tender processes.
• Act as a senior escalation point for all relevant customers and regularly attend customer meetings.
• Work collaboratively with Business Development and Finance Managers to build robust processes and effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• Proactively look for ways to improve operations and deliver operational excellence in line with our growth strategy and vision to maintain existing business.
• Oversee and ensure the transport function within the business is compliant with relevant legislative requirements, ensuring adherence to company procedures and standards across Transport, H&S, HR, Finance, and CAM.
• Have overall responsibility for multiple contracts, driving your teams to ensure all vehicles and trailers are compliant with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, identifying issues and ensuring resolutions are in place.
• A key part of this role is to understand the wider business objectives and, in line with this, look for the best ways to reduce costs and improve service.
• Regularly review the company strategy and objectives to ensure your Transport function is aligned with Sector and individual objectives.
• Work closely with other Directors and Heads to ensure a consistent and streamlined approach while working towards one goal and in line with the business Strategy.
• Lead and own the delivery of the business and Company Strategy, ensuring all colleagues are engaged and have a good understanding of the strategy.
• Work closely with the Director of Business Operations & Commercial to drive initiatives and overall performance. Challenge and question ways of working and identify improvements.
• Collaborate alongside the other Senior Team to maximize business unit and company-wide results.

• CPC National Qualification.
• Proven experience in a Senior Management Operations role.
• Proven track record in the Transport and Logistics Industry.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team.
• Strong leadership and engagement skills.
• Demonstrable experience in successful resource management.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Exposure to operating within a commercial environment sufficient to develop effective customer service and commercial understanding.
• Demonstrable knowledge of multi-contract Transport Operations, legislation, and working best practices.
• Ability to maintain the very highest levels of attention to detail even under pressure.

As part of our drive to make Stobart a great place to work, we are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organization where we are committed to employee development and recognizing success for hardworking performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programs are open to every employee, giving you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Annual Leave Holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme Contribution of 5% employee and 5% employer.
• Private Medical Cover via Bupa for peace of mind, offering choice, flexibility, and speed of access to clinically appropriate care.
• Life Assurance - x 4 your annual salary.
• Company Car or Car Allowance.
• Wellness via our Employee Assistance Programme, providing immediate access to a confidential telephone counseling and legal information service operating 24/7.
• Eye Care Vouchers for substantial savings on free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition for employees going the extra mile through Employee of the Month and Year, special recognition, and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts via our benefit platform, offering access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity, please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!