OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead our Container Operations team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all departments. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills who can drive operational excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

ABOUT US

Viking Logistics is a successful, ambitious and fast-growing haulage business based in Ipswich. Our container and ISO tank divisions operate collaboratively, predominantly from Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton and inland depots.

SKILLS

• Ambition to succeed and play a crucial part in our aggressive growth plans.
• Proven experience in operations management or a similar role within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Excellent analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in project management.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Expert industry regulatory requirement knowledge.

This is a hands-on leadership role at the outset with a contractual, clearly defined and measurable route to an Operations Director position. The ideal candidate will have the operational expertise, professionalism and commercial vision to run a busy transport department while closely assisting the MD in driving company growth. Initially proving capability by being involved in directly planning vehicles and maintaining KPI levels, assist the MD in building on our team then taking a step back to manage and run the Container Operations department as a whole at Director level.

• Lead the container operations team, organising our fleet of trucks, trailers and subcontractors.
• Ensure efficient utilisation of assets with a strong on-time performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and ensure operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation to optimise operational performance.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance processes and improve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining quality standards.
• Prepare regular reports and be involved in reviews at Director level including making operational change decsions where required.