Assistant Transport Manager

About Keelings

Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships - powered by our dedicated people.

Purpose of the Role:

To support the Transport Manager in the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a fast-paced fresh produce transport network. The Assistant Transport Manager plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of a 50+ vehicle fleet and 50+ drivers, maintaining high service levels, protecting cold-chain integrity, and driving operational efficiency across all transport activities.

The role requires strong operational oversight, hands-on leadership, and the ability to step in and manage the transport function in the absence of the Transport Manager.

Main Responsibilities

Operational Support & Transport Execution

Support the Transport Manager in overseeing daily transport operations to ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery performance.

Assist in the coordination of routing, scheduling, and vehicle allocation across day and night operations.

Monitor live deliveries and respond to operational issues including delays, breakdowns, and customer escalations.

Ensure effective communication between transport, warehouse, and customer service teams.

Support planning of contingency solutions during peak demand or disruption events.

Team Support & Driver Management

Assist in the supervision and coordination of 50+ drivers, ensuring adherence to schedules, procedures, and company standards.

Support driver performance monitoring, coaching, and corrective actions where required.

Help manage daily driver briefings and debriefings to ensure clear communication of priorities and issues.

Promote a strong culture of safety, professionalism, and accountability within the driver team.

Assist with onboarding and induction of new drivers.

Compliance & Legal Responsibilities

Support compliance with EU Drivers Hours Regulations, tachograph rules, and Working Time Directive requirements.

Assist in monitoring and reporting driver infringements and ensuring corrective actions are taken.

Help maintain full fleet and driver compliance including licences, CPC requirements, and documentation.

Support adherence to food safety and cold chain transport requirements (HACCP principles where applicable).

Assist in incident reporting, accident investigations, and insurance documentation.

Fleet & Maintenance Coordination

Assist in scheduling vehicle maintenance, inspections, and servicing in line with fleet requirements.

Support breakdown response processes to minimise vehicle downtime.

Liaise with maintenance providers and lease partners to ensure timely repairs and servicing.

Monitor vehicle cleanliness, roadworthiness, and presentation standards.

Telematics, Systems & Reporting

Use telematics systems to monitor driver behaviour, fuel efficiency, route adherence, and safety performance.

Assist in temperature monitoring systems to ensure cold chain compliance across all deliveries.

Support KPI tracking and reporting across transport performance metrics.

Provide operational data and insights to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Customer Service & Communication

Act as a key point of contact for resolving transport-related customer queries and delivery issues.

Support the maintenance of strong relationships with internal stakeholders including warehouse and commercial teams.

Ensure timely escalation of service failures and implementation of corrective actions.

Cost Awareness & Efficiency

Support initiatives to improve transport efficiency, reduce costs, and optimise resource utilisation.

Assist in monitoring fuel usage, driver behaviour, and vehicle utilisation.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing cost per delivery and improving service levels.

Health, Safety & Compliance Culture

Promote a strong health & safety culture across all transport operations.

Support regular toolbox talks, safety briefings, and compliance communications.

Ensure safe working practices are followed by drivers and transport staff at all times.

Assist in maintaining audit readiness for internal and external inspections.

Deputising Responsibilities

Deputise for the Transport Manager during absence, ensuring continuity of operations.

Take responsibility for operational decision-making when required.

Escalate key issues appropriately and ensure critical transport functions are maintained.

Key Skills

Essential

Experience in a transport, logistics, or distribution environment.

Strong understanding of transport operations and multi-drop delivery environments.

Knowledge of EU Drivers Hours regulations and tachograph compliance.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced operational environment.

Good organisational and problem-solving skills.

Team player with a proactive and hands-on approach.

Desirable

Experience in FMCG, food service, or temperature-controlled logistics.

Exposure to telematics or transport management systems (TMS).

Knowledge of cold chain logistics and food safety standards.

CPC qualification (or working towards).

Benefits:

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen

Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers

Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week

Keelings Values

People Matter

Teamwork

Integrity

Passion for Achievement

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at recruitment_keelings@keelings.com

Recruitment Process

1. CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt

2. Phone Screening

3. 1st Interview

4. 2nd Interview

5. Outcome & Feedback

Keelings Careers - https://www.keelings.com/careers-keelings/

Keelings Strategy & Values - https://www.keelings.com/our-people/