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Road transport manager
Road transport managers make sure goods and passengers reach their destinations safely, on time and in the most cost effective way.
Average salary (a year)
£23000
Starter
£55000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
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
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to road transport manager jobs. You'll be expected to have experience and qualifications in road transport.
More Information
Career Tips
You'll find road transport manager roles in the private and public sector and in many industries such as retail, engineering and passenger transport.
You might find it useful to have
good knowledge of the road network, an understanding of transport rules and regulations, experience of using specialist transport management software
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can join the The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) for professional recognition and training opportunities.
Further Information
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Other Requirements
You might need to get a Certificate of Professional Competence if you're the operator of a haulage or transport business. This is known as a Driver CPC.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could specialise in rail, sea or air transport.
You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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