Head of Transport

Location: Nelson, Lancashire

At Wellocks, we are passionate about delivering the finest ingredients to some of the UK's most renowned chefs and hospitality businesses. We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Transport to lead our national transport operation and play a key role within our Operations Team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic transport professional to drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams across multiple locations, and make a significant impact on service, compliance, efficiency and sustainability.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will have overall responsibility for Wellocks' transport function, leading a team of Depot Managers, Planning Managers and specialist compliance and driver training professionals across our network.

You will ensure that our transport operation delivers exceptional customer service while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and cost control. Alongside day-to-day operational leadership, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives, support business-wide strategic objectives and help shape the future of our transport network.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the national transport operation across multiple depots
• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence requirements and transport legislation
• Deliver transport strategies that optimise efficiency, service and cost performance
• Manage transport budgets and key performance indicators
• Identify and implement operational improvement and optimisation projects
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business as a member of the Leadership Team
  

Operational Excellence

• Drive outstanding service performance and On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery
• Establish consistent transport standards and best practices across all depots
• Review fleet requirements and contribute to the company's carbon reduction objectives
• Ensure route planning and dispatch activities consistently meet customer expectations
  

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all transport, H&S and environmental legislation
• Foster a strong culture of safety, quality and accountability
• Lead corrective actions arising from audits and operational reviews
• Work with depot teams to ensure sites remain audit and inspection ready
  

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing transport management team
• Drive employee engagement, development and succession planning
• Support recruitment, performance management and employee relations activities
• Create a culture of collaboration, respect and continuous improvement
  

About You

We are looking for a proven transport leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on operational expertise.

Essential

• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for Transport Managers (International Road Haulage) Level 3
• Significant transport leadership experience within a fast-paced operational environment
• Strong understanding of transport compliance, fleet management and logistics best practice
• Experience leading multi-site transport teams
• Proven success in delivering operational improvements and efficiency gains
• Strong commercial awareness and KPI management experience
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
• An inspiring and influential leader
• A strong decision maker and problem solver
• Highly organised and able to prioritise effectively
• Collaborative, engaging and people focused
• Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service

Let us tell you some benefits you would receive at Wellocks:

• 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Generous employee discounts on all our products
• Fancy volunteering? We will give you one day off a year to take part in volunteering.
• Cycle to Work Scheme that offers discounted bikes and cycling equipment.
• Donate through your pay to a charity of your choice. The money is simply deducted through your pay before tax, so for every pound you donate, the 20p that usually goes to tax will go to the charity instead!
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• We also have a range of employee assistance services which can be tailored to give you support on things such as finances, health and wellbeing.

About us

Wellocks, is one of the leading UK fresh food distributors using the finest ingredients we support chefs with quality ingredients. We offer pre prepared veg items to our customers which is an integral part of our service.

We’re proud to be part of the William Jackson Food Group, a dedicated family-owned food business which started in 1851. Our sister businesses are Abel & Cole, Jacksons Bakery and Belazu. Family values and the commitment which comes with such a long-standing business are rooted in our culture here at Wellocks.

Thanks for reading our job advert. We do our very best to bring to life what it's like working as part of our team. Diverse teams really are the best teams. We want everyone to feel they can be themselves at work and develop their talents to the full. All colleagues are expected to take personal responsibility for keeping our workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying - a place where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. We also know that sometimes some candidates may be put off applying for a job unless they think they can tick every box. If you are really excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we are looking for but aren't sure if you are 100% there yet... go on... why not give it a whirl? Good luck!