Group Transport Manager.

Group Transport Manager

Location: Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Salary: €85,000+ depending on experience

The Opportunity

My client is seeking an experienced Group Transport Manager to lead transport strategy and performance across a nationwide, multi-site distribution network.

This is a senior, commercially focused leadership role suited to someone who can think strategically, influence senior stakeholders and drive performance across a complex transport operation. The position has a strong corporate element, requiring the ability to develop and present strategic plans, analyse business performance and deliver initiatives that improve efficiency, profitability and service delivery.

The successful candidate will take ownership of transport strategy, budgets and P&L performance, identifying opportunities to improve fleet utilisation, control costs, optimise the operating model and deliver sustainable growth across the group.

This is a relatively hands-off role, with an emphasis on strategic direction, commercial accountability and performance management rather than the day-to-day running of individual transport operations. Experience leading across multiple sites, influencing stakeholders and translating business objectives into measurable results will be essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the group's transport strategy, aligning operational performance with wider business objectives.
• Take full commercial ownership of the transport function's P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, profitability and financial performance.
• Review and optimise transport operations across a nationwide, multi-site network, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, business cases, performance reports and strategic recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Analyse transport KPIs and financial data to identify trends, manage risks and drive evidence-based business decisions.
• Establish performance targets and accountability frameworks across sites, ensuring consistent standards and delivery against group objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve fleet utilisation, route efficiency, delivery performance and overall cost per delivery.
• Oversee the balance between company-owned fleet operations and third-party transport providers, ensuring commercial value and service quality.
• Lead fleet investment and replacement strategies, including vehicle procurement, capital expenditure planning and maintenance agreements.
• Negotiate and manage strategic relationships with third-party haulage providers, monitoring contractual performance, service levels and commercial terms.
• Identify and lead group-wide improvement initiatives, including transport technology, automation, process optimisation and operational standardisation.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, including alternative fuels, fleet decarbonisation and environmental performance improvements.
• Ensure the group maintains robust governance and compliance with Irish and European transport legislation, RSA requirements, drivers' hours regulations, tachograph rules and CVRT standards.
• Build strong relationships with senior leadership, branch management, finance, procurement, IT and other business functions to deliver strategic priorities.
• Lead change across the transport network, securing stakeholder buy-in and ensuring strategic initiatives translate into measurable commercial and operational results.

Essential Requirements

• CPC Transport Management qualification is essential.
• Significant experience in senior transport management, group transport management or transport and logistics leadership.
• Proven multi-site management experience , ideally across a national or geographically dispersed transport network.
• Demonstrable experience owning and managing a P&L , including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, cost management and profitability.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen, with the ability to assess complex business challenges and develop long-term solutions.
• Experience working in a corporate environment, preparing business cases, presenting performance updates and communicating strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• A track record of delivering measurable improvements in transport costs, fleet utilisation, productivity and service performance.
• Experience leading through managers and influencing teams across multiple locations, rather than relying on direct day-to-day operational involvement.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial and operational data and use it to guide business decisions.
• Comprehensive understanding of Irish transport legislation, fleet compliance and transport risk management.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and change leadership skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in builders' merchanting, construction materials, heavy industrial distribution or a similar multi-site distribution environment.
• Experience managing heavy commercial vehicle fleets and specialist equipment, including cranes, HIABs and tail lifts.
• Experience with fleet management systems, telematics, route optimisation and electronic proof of delivery (EPOD).
• Experience managing third-party haulage contracts and strategic transport partnerships.
• Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement experience.
• Experience with alternative fuels, including HVO, and fleet decarbonisation programmes.
• Experience leading fleet investment, procurement and capital expenditure programmes across multiple sites.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary of €85,000+ depending on experience.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Pension and profit-sharing scheme.
• Private healthcare contribution.
• Employee savings scheme and colleague discounts.
• Educational assistance and ongoing professional development.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.

Working Hours

• 39 hours per week.
• Core hours typically 8:30am–5:00pm.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced transport leader with a strong commercial background, proven P&L ownership, multi-site management experience and a CPC Transport Management qualification, I would be keen to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to take on a strategic group-level position, influence senior business decisions and drive the long-term performance of a nationwide transport operation.

Apply through Indeed with your CV to be considered for this opportunity.

Why Choose Clark?

• Inclusive & Supportive: We welcome diversity, ensure equal opportunities, and provide reasonable accommodations for interviews.
• Expert Guidance: Our experienced recruiters are dedicated to finding the right fit for you.
• Personalised Support: We're with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth job search.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now.

INDCLA