Road transport manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject to become a road transport manager.

You might have an advantage if you study:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• transport management
• business management

You can also do a postgraduate course.

Graduate scheme

Once you have finished university, you could apply for a place on a graduate transport management trainee scheme. Find out more about getting a place on a graduate scheme .

Entry requirements:

• 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
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This will give you some of the skills and knowledge you need to work as an assistant transport manager in areas like retail or fast moving consumer goods, for example food and drink.

If you're already working for a passenger transport company, you might be able to do the Passenger Transport Operations Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could develop your transport skills as a driver, supervisor or admin assistant . With training and experience you could then apply for a road transport manager's job.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to road transport manager jobs. You'll be expected to have experience and qualifications in road transport.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• business management skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• leadership skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• persistence and determination
• thinking and reasoning skills
• maths knowledge
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Road transport managers make sure goods and passengers reach their destinations safely, on time and in the most cost effective way.

As a road transport manager you could:

• work with suppliers and customers, plan routes and schedule delivery times
• manage and organise training for supervisors, administrators and drivers
• manage contracts and make sure targets are met
• put together performance reports
• make sure drivers follow regulations and arrange vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £55,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in rail, sea or air transport.

You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.