Assistant Transport Manager

About Keelings

Keelings is a wholly Irish family-owned business specializing in fresh produce. With operations spanning Ireland, the UK, and Europe, they grow, source, and provide premium quality fruits and vegetables. Their success is driven by innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships supported by a dedicated workforce.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Transport Manager will support the Transport Manager in the safe, compliant, and efficient running of a high-volume fresh produce transport network, managing over 50 vehicles and drivers. This role is critical to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, maintaining cold-chain standards, and improving transport efficiency. The position demands hands-on leadership and operational oversight and requires stepping in to manage the department when the Transport Manager is unavailable.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in managing daily transport activities to ensure timely, complete deliveries meeting OTIF standards.
• Coordinate vehicle routing, scheduling, and allocations across day and night shifts.
• Monitor live deliveries, troubleshoot operational challenges such as delays or vehicle failures and respond to customer escalations.
• Facilitate effective communication between transport, warehouse, and customer service teams.
• Help develop contingency plans for peak periods or disruptions.
• Supervise and coordinate a driver team of over 50, ensuring compliance with schedules and company policies.
• Support driver performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective measures.
• Conduct daily driver briefings and debriefings to communicate priorities and address concerns.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, professionalism, and accountability among drivers.
• Participate in onboarding and induction processes for new drivers.
• Ensure compliance with EU Drivers Hours, tachograph regulations, and Working Time Directive.
• Monitor and report driver infringements, facilitating corrective actions.
• Maintain fleet and driver documentation, including licenses and CPC requirements.
• Support compliance with food safety standards and cold chain transport protocols, including HACCP principles.
• Assist with incident reporting, accident investigations, and related insurance paperwork.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance scheduling, inspections, and servicing aligned with fleet needs.
• Manage breakdown responses to minimize vehicle downtime.
• Interface with maintenance and lease providers for timely repairs and upkeep.
• Oversee vehicle cleanliness, safety, and presentation standards.
• Use telematics tools to monitor driver behavior, fuel efficiency, route compliance, and safety.
• Assist in tracking temperature to uphold cold chain integrity during deliveries.
• Support KPI monitoring and reporting to drive continual transport improvements.
• Serve as a contact point for resolving transport-related customer issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with warehouse and commercial teams for seamless operations.
• Escalate service problems promptly and execute corrective measures.
• Contribute to cost control by identifying efficiencies, monitoring fuel use, and optimizing resource use.
• Encourage a strong health and safety culture through toolbox talks, briefings, and compliance efforts.
• Maintain audit readiness for inspections through proper documentation and processes.
• Act in place of the Transport Manager to ensure operational continuity when required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in transport, logistics or distribution settings is essential.
• Good knowledge of multi-drop delivery operations and transport procedures.
• Familiarity with EU Drivers Hours rules and tachograph compliance.
• Strong communication abilities and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to stay composed and effective in fast-moving operational contexts.
• Good organizational and problem-solving aptitude.
• Team-oriented mindset with a proactive, hands-on approach.

Preferred Experience

• Background in FMCG, foodservice, or temperature-controlled logistics is advantageous.
• Exposure to telematics and transport management systems (TMS).
• Knowledge of cold chain logistics and food safety guidelines.
• CPC qualification or progress toward certification.

Benefits

• Discounts at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen facilities.
• Complimentary on-site parking with electric vehicle charging stations.
• Participation in wellness programs including wellness week.

Company Values

• People Matter
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Passion for Achievement

Inclusion and Diversity

Keelings is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees’ experiences and perspectives are valued. Applications from all cultural and background groups are encouraged to join a workplace environment that promotes belonging.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants needing reasonable adjustments during recruitment can request support by contacting the recruitment team.

Recruitment Process

• Submission of CV and acknowledgment of receipt.
• Telephone screening.
• First interview.
• Second interview.
• Outcome and feedback.