Job Description
The Transport Manager will plan and co-ordinate operations to ensure the efficient transportation of customers or products. They will make sure that goods or passengers reach their destination safely and on time.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a passenger transport operations manager higher apprenticeship if you're working for a passenger transport company.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- logistics
- supply chain management
- transport management
- business management
You can also do a postgraduate course if you have a relevant degree.
After you finish your studies, you can then apply for a place on a management trainee scheme with a transport company.
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Work
You could develop your transport skills as a driver, team leader or administrator. With training and experience you could then apply for a road transport manager's job.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll be expected to have experience and qualifications in road transport.
More Information
You may need to get a Certificate of Professional Competence - a Driver CPC - if you're the operator of a haulage or transport business.
You can find out more about becoming a transport manager from: The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, United Kingdom Warehousing Association and Transport Planning Society.
Career Path and Progression
With experience, you could specialise in other types of transport, like rail, sea or air.
You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Bus or coach driver
- Car fleet manager
- Community transport operations manager
- Freight forwarder
- Large goods vehicle driver
Required Skills
- Good leadership and motivational skills
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Good at problem solving
- Able to keep calm under pressure
- The ability to think logically
- Good IT skills
- Able to manage budgets
- Flexibility
- A good understanding of traffic regulations
Salary Range
£23,000 to £50,000