Transport Shift Manager

At Warburtons, family is at the heart of our business. Five generations'​ worth of expertise that goes into making our bakery products allows us to continue a tradition of baking inherited over the past 141 years.

Warburtons is the largest bakery brand in the UK, but that doesn't allow us to rest on our laurels. We are pioneers of the industry and ambitious market leaders, always seeking to challenge ourselves and convention. It is part of our philosophy to provide honest good sense on issues of health and well-being, helping the whole family to enjoy our products as part of a healthy, balanced diet, through a range of products to suit all meal occasions, lifestyles and tastes.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Join the Distribution Team at Warburtons as we build our latest Distribution Depot in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, and become part of our national network of Distribution Operations across the UK.

Since 1876, we have earned a stellar reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality products across the UK. As we continue to grow, we want YOU to be part of our journey and help us maintain our first-class service for our customers.

As a DVSA Earned Recognition Operator, we are known for consistently meeting high standards of safety and compliance and we believe in creating an environment that’s inclusive, open, and progressive.  We are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees, at Warburtons, you’ll find ample opportunities to develop your career while contributing to our success.

Why Join Us?  

Permanent Contract for stability
Location: Biggleswade (Initially working from Enfield)
Hours: 42 hours per week, 4 on 2 off rota
Salary: Competitive, based on experience  

We understand the value of a work-life balance and offer:

A slice of the annual profits (discretionary profit share)
Family time is important to us, so as well as your holiday entitlement, we'll give you the opportunity to purchase up to an extra week's annual leave
Award-winning pension scheme with contributions up to 7% (option to increase after 5 years to 12%)
Life assurance
Products you will love along with deals and discounts for you and your family through our Extra Dough website
Continued investment in your personal development
Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy with your daily brew!
Support for your health and wellbeing, including access to free physiotherapy, 24/7 access to a confidential helpline for practical advice, and a comprehensive occupational health service – is the 24/7 helpline Grocery Aid, unlimited access to GP appointments and more through Help@Hand  

What You'll Be Doing:  

As Transport Shift Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring smooth, efficient processes while upholding our reputation for exceptional service. Your key responsibilities will include:

Managing a team of Secondary/Class 2 Drivers, taking responsibility for all people management activities throughout the employee lifecycle to drive improved performance and build a positive and motivated team where everyone is engaged. We will have around 62 drivers in total, running 31 routes out of the site.
Maintaining compliance with transport operator’s regulations and driver regulations (and Warburtons Distribution training material) ensuring continued legal transport operation.
Ensuring your team and vehicles are compliant with transport operator regulations
Managing a team of Secondary Distribution Drivers to ensure agreed performance levels are achieved while maintaining high standards of customer service.
Working on a 4 on 2 off rota, around 42 hours per week  

Essential Ingredients  

Previous experience as a Team Manager or Key Operative with experience in managing teams, coaching, and mentoring
Knowledge of Tachograph and WTD regulations
Good working knowledge of SAP, specifically the ERP module
Understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment
Experience with Driver telematics systems
Ability to commute to Enfield AND/OR Banbury for a short period while the new depot is built (mileage to be reimbursed)  

About Us  

As the UK’s No. 1 Bakery Brand, we have been baking bread since 1876. Today, we are proudly a sixth-generation family business, supplying over 18,000 retail customers from 23 distribution sites, producing a range of over 70 products, including gluten and wheat-free options. We are striving to be a net-zero business by 2050 and believe in minimizing our impact on the environment while making a positive impact on society.

Biggleswade is known for being the home of the world's first-ever seed company, founded by Samuel Wells in the 18th century. Warburtons' newest site is conveniently situated with access to the A1, providing a gateway to the North and South, as well as easy access to both the East and West parts of England. Alongside its agricultural heritage, Biggleswade is ideally situated along the River Ivel and has a long-standing tradition of weekly markets dating back to the Middle Ages.

We respect and value difference. We look to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or any other aspect which makes them unique, are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work, is the right thing to do