Transport Supervisor

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Job Description

Transport Supervisor – Felixstowe

Salary £50-60K + Car/Allowance + Bonus

Pension

Free Parking


Are you a solid Transport Planner who knows their way around VBS slots, port cut-offs and driver “5 more minutes” calls — and now ready to step up?

We’re looking for a Transport Supervisor/Desk Supervisor who wants more than just moving boxes from A to B. This is the next step: leading a planning desk of 5, taking ownership of performance, and having real influence over revenue and margin — not just fire-fighting the day.


The Role

You’ll still be hands-on with planning (we’re not looking for someone who just delegates and disappears), but you’ll also:

  • Oversee the daily running of a busy container planning desk
  • Support and guide planners and traffic operators
  • Take ownership of service performance and delivery KPIs
  • Manage customer expectations (and occasionally calm them down)
  • Work closely with drivers — understanding the realities of the road
  • Monitor and improve efficiency, utilisation and route planning
  • Have visibility and accountability for P&L performance


Yes — this means understanding margin per move, rate negotiation impact, detention/demurrage exposure, and where the desk is making or losing money.


What You’ll Be Doing

  • Planning import/export container movements
  • Managing port bookings (Dover, Felixstowe, Southampton etc.)
  • Overseeing VBS slots and ensuring compliance
  • Dealing with customs delays and the unexpected curveballs
  • Reviewing costs vs revenue daily
  • Supporting with pricing input where needed
  • Escalation point for issues (because things will go wrong)


What We’re Looking For

  • Strong background in container transport planning
  • Solid understanding of UK ports and container flows
  • Commercial awareness (you understand that empty miles = lost margin)
  • Someone who naturally takes ownership
  • Calm under pressure (because there will be pressure)
  • Confident communicator — with drivers, customers and management
  • Ready to step into leadership without ego


This role is ideal for a Senior Planner who:

  • Already helps others on the desk
  • Understands margin and rates
  • Wants progression without jumping straight into full Transport Manager status



The Reality Check

This isn’t a quiet desk job.

Containers miss ships.

Drivers get stuck.

Ports get congested.

Customers panic.

You’ll need thick skin, common sense, and the ability to solve problems without dramatic sighing.

If you’ve ever looked at a desk and thought:

“I could run this better,”

this might be your chance.

Apply
Location:
Felixstowe
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Transportation And Storage

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