Transport Depot Operations Manager

DescriptionSM Transport & Maintenance are seeking to add a Transport Depot Operations Manager to their team based in Laverton North.  This is a hands-on role managing a team of company owned Fleet & drivers running daily Transport Depot operations and driving process improvement.  This is a full-time permanent position.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years' experience running a Transport Depot
• Forklift license

Attributes

You get stuff done & bring a positive energy to the workplace.  You're someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and knows how to motivate a team to give their best. You've got experience in Transport Depot operations, but what sets you apart is your ability to build trust, inspire growth, and push for excellence every single day. You don't just drive processes, you inspire people. And that's where you make the biggest impact. You know that a happy, engaged team is the key to achieving operational success, and you'll bring a positive, proactive energy to the role.

About you

• Hands-on team leadership (someone who inspires, develops & supports their team)
• A high level of integrity (someone who will work well with both internal departments & external suppliers to grow long-standing partnerships)
• Extensive experience in a Transport Depot environment (you understand the dynamics of the Transport world and the drivers)
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm when working under pressure

Your background & what you'll bring

• Proven experience running /managing Transport Depot Operations
• Experience in driving operational excellence, and consistently delivering high levels of performance across safety, service, cost, and efficiency
• Extensive background in managing the daily execution of inbound and outbound transport activities
• Experience in Fleet scheduling, compliance auditing, and safety reporting
• Proven ability to lead and mentor, and foster a high performing culture using your strong 'lead from the front' managerial skills
• Excellent communication skills (to liaise with clients, staff, and management)
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Well versed in identifying inefficiencies in daily transport operations, and being responsible for developing strategies for improvement
• Strong knowledge of road transport regulations, including standard hours and BFM.
• In-depth knowledge of CoR legislation and transport safety standards
• Proficiency in both Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) Transport Management Systems (TMS)
• Highly competent with Microsoft Office and a methodical approach to administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily Transport Depot Operations – inbound, outbound, local fleet, and contractors (including scheduling, fleet utilisation, and load optimisation)
• Leading and developing a team of 30+ drivers and a small operations team
• Working closely with management and the Director to improve service, safety, and efficiency
• Building strong relationships with customers, clients, suppliers, and ensure service levels are met or exceeded
• Managing performance, costs, KPIs
• Ensure WHS, NHVR regulations, Fatigue, DG and company policies and standards are met
• Implement efficiency improvements and maintain cost controls
• Report to senior management with operational updates and improvement strategies

About SM Transport & Maintenance

SM Transport & Maintenance was founded in 2024 after previously operating under the name of Scott McKenzie Transport since 2006.

From small beginnings, we started out operating with one truck mainly carting hay, wood and farm machinery in Victoria. Our business has grown, and we now operate Australia wide.

With a wide variety of trailers tailored to our customer's needs.  We are an independent, family run business, originally based out of Barham, NSW we now also operate out of our new Melbourne depot based in Laverton.

With the growth of our business, we found the need to employ our own qualified diesel mechanics, this has given us the ability to also service the local area for any maintenance needs for heavy vehicles.

We have every confidence in our team of drivers to handle your business with a high degree of professionalism and courtesy.

We offer competitive rates, reliable service and take the utmost care with your business to ensure 100% client satisfaction.

With over 30 years' experience in the transport industry, we have built up a network of regular customers ranging from farm machinery to airport equipment.

Come and join our team