Group Transport Manager

Group Transport Manager - Chadwicks Group

Location: Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

About Us

Chadwicks Group is a market leader in the builders' merchanting industry in the Republic of Ireland. The core business comprises the Builders Merchants division, whose main brands include Chadwicks, Cork Builders Providers, Davies and Telfords. In addition, through organic growth and acquisitions, the Group has established a range of specialist brands including Heiton Steel, Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Proline, Sitetech and HSS.

The Opportunity / Who We Seek

The Group Transport Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for architecting, modernising and scaling transport operations across our nationwide network of over 50 branches and multiple specialist brands.

Operating within a complex, multi-brand merchanting network, this role goes beyond standard fleet maintenance. We are seeking a transformational leader to evaluate and redesign our transport operating model - balancing branch-level agility with centralised network efficiency, dynamic routing technology and green logistics.

Managing a highly varied environment (handling everything from heavy site supply to residential deliveries with crane/HIAB-equipped fleets and 3PL partners), you will serve as the core driver of our digital transformation, carbon reduction goals and commercial transport efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operating Model Strategy & Digital Transformation

• Network & Strategy Redesign: Audit current branch-centric transport practices and lead the design of an optimised national operating model (evaluating fleet sizing, regional hub-and-spoke opportunities, shared-fleet allocation and drop density).
• Digital Ecosystem Ownership: Take operational ownership of the digital transport landscape, specifically leading the rollout, configuration and continuous optimisation of the Transend Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD) application and telemetry systems.
• Process Automation: Leverage tech tools to modernise branch and driver workflows, transitioning from manual paperwork to automated, real-time routing, scheduling and delivery validation.
• IT Alignment: Partner with Group IT to manage mobile device lifecycles, user access frameworks, software deployment pipelines and operational training across all branches.

2. Fleet Renewal & CapEx Management

• Lifecycle Strategy: Direct the multi-year vehicle replacement programme across the national network, optimising a mixed fleet of specialised heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs).
• CapEx Budgeting: Author and present the annual fleet CapEx proposals each August, aligning capital investment with operational efficiency and sustainability targets.
• Procurement & Asset Management: Manage vehicle procurement pipelines (new build and secondary assets) and oversee manufacturer maintenance agreements (e.g., contract maintenance for specialised Volvo fleets).

3. Capacity Architecture & Vendor Modernisation

• Hybrid Model Optimisation: Define the optimal balance between company-owned core fleet and third-party haulage partners to build a flexible, scalable cost-to-serve model.
• Contractual Modernisation: Audit and overhaul legacy branch-level haulier arrangements, transitioning the network to standardised, robust three-month notice commercial frameworks and unified rate cards.
• Vendor Governance: Implement a strict risk-management framework for 3PL compliance (validating PL, EL, Fleet and Goods In Transit insurances) and serve as senior escalation point for commercial or service disputes.

4. Commercial Intelligence & Cost Control

• Cost-to-Serve Modelling: Develop granular transport analytics (Cost per Delivery, Vehicle Utilisation, Driver Productivity, OTIF) to provide business transparency and inform commercial delivery pricing.
• Financial Oversight: Direct the national transport budget, identifying continuous improvement efficiencies to bridge the lag between real-time operational costs and monthly P&L reporting.
• Fuel Indexing: Manage dynamic commercial fuel surcharge mechanisms, utilising weekly market pricing data to adjust rate cards accurately.

5. Sustainability & Fleet Decarbonisation

• HVO Transition: Spearhead the nationwide rollout of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) across the branch network to achieve near-term carbon reduction.
• Fuel Infrastructure: Manage the procurement and setup of high-capacity fuel tanks, evaluate retrofit opportunities and implement robust security protocols to prevent loss and contamination.

6. Compliance, Safety & Governance

• Regulatory Alignment: Maintain absolute compliance with all RSA transport regulations, tachograph rules, drivers' hours legislation and CVRT schedules across all sites.
• Specialised Equipment Safety: Ensure strict regulatory compliance and inspection routines for ancillary vehicle components (cranes, tail lifts, slings, winches).
• Auditing: Conduct structured compliance audits covering driver certifications (CPC, licence validity, Safe Pass, manual handling) and 12-week vehicle inspection processes.

Requirements & Key Competencies

Essential

• Strategic Experience: 5+ years of progressive leadership in transport management or logistics, with a proven track record of designing, implementing or modernising transport operating models across a multi-site network.
• Qualifications: Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management is essential.
• Data & Change Capability: Strong analytical skill set - ability to translate operational data into clear strategic proposals and lead operational teams through change.
• Fleet Governance: Deep knowledge of heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) operations, specialised ancillary equipment (cranes/HIABs, tail lifts) and CVRT governance.
• Legal Mastery: Expert, up-to-date knowledge of Irish and European transport legislation and RSA standards.
• Tech-savviness: Hands-on operational experience with modern telematics, fleet management systems and EPOD applications (experience with Transend is a distinct advantage).
• Vendor Management**: **Strong commercial acumen negotiating and managing 3PL contracts and SLAs.

Desirable

• Direct experience within builders' merchanting, construction materials or heavy industrial distribution sectors.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certifications and/or experience.
• Experience executing fleet electrification or alternative fuel (HVO/CNG) transitions.

Benefits & Rewards

• Competitive Basic Salary
• Company Car / Car Allowance
• Performance-Related Bonus
• Private Health Care Contribution
• Pension Scheme & Profit Share Scheme
• Colleague Savings Scheme & Colleague Discount
• Educational Assistance & Continuous Professional Development
• Comprehensive Wellness Initiatives

Diversity & Inclusion

At Chadwicks Group, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you are excited about transforming our transport landscape but your past experience does not align perfectly with every single bullet point above, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate to lead this change.