Transport Manager – WA

📍 Kewdale, Perth WA
💼 Full-Time | Permanent

Lead a high-performing transport operation | Drive safety, service & commercial performance

We are working exclusively with our client who is a well-established wharf cartage business seeking an experienced Transport Manager to lead their WA transport function based in Kewdale.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a transport professional who understands the fast-paced nature of container transport and wharf cartage and has the commercial, operational and people leadership skills to drive performance.

The Opportunity

As Transport Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day transport function, leading a team of drivers and support staff while ensuring the operation delivers strong results across safety, compliance, customer service, productivity and profitability.

You will work closely with senior leadership, customers, terminal operators and internal stakeholders to ensure the transport function operates safely, efficiently and in line with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Operations

Lead and manage all transport activities across the WA operation.

Drive and maintain a minimum 95% DIFOT performance.

Optimise fleet utilisation, driver-to-truck ratios and transport capacity.

Manage rail versus road capacity planning and customer bookings.

Coordinate transport time-slotting to maximise fleet efficiency.

Manage the collection of empty containers within required timeframes.

Minimise late arrivals, no-shows and operational disruptions.

Manage relationships with terminal operators and key customers.

Safety & Compliance

Lead safety and compliance across the transport division.

Drive a reduction in LTIs, MTIs and return-to-work incidents.

Maintain a strong focus on driver compliance and road safety.

Work with HSE to develop and implement Safe Work Methods.

Lead regular safety toolbox meetings.

Oversee driver compliance, training and development.

Support Driver Trainer activities, including NCR close-out.

People Leadership

Lead, coach and develop the transport team.

Manage driver recruitment and workforce planning.

Maintain appropriate driver-to-truck ratios.

Manage annual leave and workforce requirements.

Manage agency labour to agreed targets.

Build a positive, accountable and high-performing team culture.

Commercial & Performance

Take responsibility for the Transport division's P&L.

Identify opportunities to improve productivity and profitability.

Drive increased fleet utilisation.

Manage fleet servicing and maintenance in accordance with manufacturer requirements.

Minimise unnecessary demurrage and detention costs.

Develop and implement SOPs to improve operational consistency.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

Maintain strong relationships with customers and terminal operators.

Respond to customer enquiries and resolve issues promptly.

Support the broader leadership team with operational planning.

Ensure transport activities align with wider business objectives.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced transport leader with a strong understanding of containerized freight and the operational demands of wharf cartage.

Essential

Previous wharf cartage experience – MUST HAVE.

Proven experience in a Transport Manager, Transport Operations Manager or similar senior transport leadership position.

Strong understanding of container transport and terminal operations.

Demonstrated experience managing drivers and transport operations.

Strong knowledge of transport safety and compliance.

Experience managing transport KPIs and service performance.

Strong planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop a team.

Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets or a transport P&L.

You will also bring:

A strong customer-focused mindset.

Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

A proactive approach to continuous improvement.

High attention to detail.

Strong leadership and accountability.

Confidence working with transport systems and technology.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing transport and logistics business where you will have genuine ownership of the transport function.

You will have the opportunity to:

Lead and develop a transport team.

Drive operational and commercial improvements.

Influence safety and compliance performance.

Improve fleet utilisation and service delivery.

Work closely with senior leadership.

Implement better processes and systems.

Make a genuine impact on the performance of the WA transport operation.

Ready for Your Next Move?

If you're an experienced Transport Manager with a strong background in wharf cartage and container transport, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Apply now with your resume outlining your transport management and wharf cartage experience.

Please note: Wharf cartage experience is a mandatory requirement for this position.