Head of Transport & Despatch / 70k / Immediate Start

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting a major client with the Recruitment of an Experienced Head of Transport & Despatch to join an experienced and dynamic team based in Antrim. Head of Transport & Despatch Location : UK & ROI | Level : Senior Leadership Salary : £60,000 - £70,000 DOE Hours : 37.5 per week (Mon-Thurs : 8am-5pm, Fri : 8am-1 : 30pm) Flexible start / finish times available Overview We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader to oversee our Transport and Despatch operations across the UK and Ireland. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on business performance-ensuring full legal compliance, operational efficiency, and high levels of customer service. You'll also help shape and implement the long-term logistics strategy for the organisation. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy Lead, manage, and develop high-performing Transport & Despatch teams across multiple sites. Define and execute department strategy aligned with overall business goals. Champion a culture of safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and customer service. Monitor and drive key KPIs (e.g. OTIF, cost efficiency, safety, lead times). Transport Operations Oversee compliant and efficient transport operations across the UK and ROI. Act as the named CPC holder and ensure operator licence compliance (NI & UK). Manage the full vehicle lifecycle : procurement, utilisation, maintenance, and disposal. Ensure full driver compliance (licensing, CPC, tachograph, WTD). Own and manage the transport budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings. Lead relationships with subcontractors and manage cross-channel logistics (NI-GB). Despatch Operations Ensure accurate and on-time despatch of goods to customers, sites, and branches. Work with production and planning teams to align schedules and optimise flow. Manage despatch operations, including staff allocation, performance, and training. Maintain high standards of quality control and ensure accurate ERP / MRP record-keeping. Oversee safe handling and loading, particularly of fragile items such as glass. Lead associated areas such as glazing, frame preparation, and glass protection. Collaboration & Communication Build strong relationships with internal teams including Production, Quality Control, Customer Service, Credit Control, HR, and Health & Safety. Collaborate with transport planners to improve route efficiency and delivery performance. Ensure effective coordination and communication between Antrim and Lancaster sites. About You Proven senior-level experience in transport, logistics, or despatch leadership. In-depth knowledge of UK & ROI transport legislation; CPC qualification essential. Strong experience managing multi-site operations and complex logistics functions. Financially astute with experience managing budgets and delivering efficiencies. Skilled in people leadership, team development, and performance management. Confident using ERP / MRP systems and leveraging data to inform decisions. Excellent communicator with strong planning and stakeholder engagement skills. What's on Offer Competitive salary and benefits package. A high-impact leadership role with broad geographic responsibility. The opportunity to shape and drive logistics strategy across the UK and Ireland. A supportive and collaborative working environment. Interested? For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Phil Doherty at VANRATH. INDPD ''5

• 's for Vanrath. They found me a suitable agency post right away, it was a great fit, now I have got the job permanently! Very personable and knowledgeable to deal with and always took the time to understand and help out. Extremely professional service all round.'' ''I contacted Vanrath after being laid off by my previous employer. They were fantastic to deal with and found me the perfect role that matched my skill set and experience and within a day or two had an interview lined up. Within the same week I was made a job offer which I happily accepted. So thankful that I contacted Vanrath. Couldn't have asked for a quicker and more professional service.'' ''My experience with Vanrath has been so positive. They were very professional but friendly at the same time. The whole process has been excellent and I've secured a job that I really wanted. I wouldn't hesitate to go through Vanrath again in future as there was no waiting about and they continually kept me updated throughout. Thanks so much again.'' ocess and has continued to touch base after I have started my new role. Couldn't recommend enough.'' Benefits : Additional Benefits