Head of Fleet and Compliance

Company Description

Who are Culina?

Culina is the UK’s leading independent specialist supply chain partner, trusted by some of the nation’s best recognised food, fast-moving consumer goods (FMGC) and retail brands. We're proud to employ over 22,000 colleagues across 100+ locations nationwide, supported by a fleet of more than 5,500 trucks and trailers delivering every day.

We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Transport Logistics division – as one of the UK's most trusted transport specialists, we deliver flexible transport solutions backed by our nationwide network, industry-leading expertise and innovative technology. Our teams provide reliable, efficient and responsive services that help customers keep products moving and businesses growing.

Job Description

Life in this role

As part of our, Transport Logistics division, we have an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Head of Fleet and Compliance.

The Head of Fleet and Compliance is responsible for providing strategic leadership, governance, and oversight of fleet compliance, operator licensing, transport regulation, and fleet administration activities across all Eddie Stobart Ltd operations throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Head of Fleet and Compliance will provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to Transport Managers, Fleet Administration Teams, Compliance Auditors, and operational stakeholders, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, safety and compliance excellence across all operating centres.

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead and maintain the organisation's fleet governance and transport compliance framework, ensuring robust controls are in place across all operating centres.

• Provide strategic leadership for transport compliance, fleet governance, and regulatory assurance activities across the business.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve transport compliance policies, standards, and processes in line with legislative requirements, industry best practice, and ISO 9001 accreditation.

• Drive the adoption of a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, safety, and professional excellence throughout all transport operations.

• Develop and deploy effective transport governance, assurance, and performance review processes at all levels of the business Operator Licence Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Safeguard all Operator Licences by ensuring full compliance with licence undertakings, regulatory obligations, and organisational policies.

• Act as the authorised company signatory for Operator Licence matters and oversee all licence applications, variations, Transport Manager applications, and related regulatory submissions.

• Monitor, interpret, and communicate legislative, regulatory, and industry developments, ensuring business readiness and compliance with evolving requirements.

• Lead engagement with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Office of the Traffic Commissioner, Police, enforcement agencies, and other regulatory bodies.

• Manage regulatory investigations, Public Inquiries, audits, interventions, and notifiable events, ensuring effective governance and timely resolution. Compliance Assurance & Risk Management

• Oversee compliance risk management activities, including Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) monitoring, corrective action planning, and performance improvement programmes.

• Manage the organisation's central transport compliance systems, ensuring effective utilisation, data integrity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

• Lead internal and external compliance audit programmes through the Compliance Audit function, ensuring consistency, objectivity, and operational engagement.

• Oversee targeted improvement initiatives and corrective actions to address identified compliance shortfalls and mitigate risk.

• Ensure effective regulatory reporting, governance controls, and compliance assurance activities are maintained across the fleet operation. Fleet Compliance & Stakeholder Management

• Work collaboratively with fleet providers, maintenance providers, and operational stakeholders to ensure compliance with Operator Licence commitments and legislative obligations.

• Provide expert guidance and support to Transport Managers and operational teams on legal compliance, fleet governance, and regulatory requirements.

• Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of compliance objectives and business priorities.

• Represent the organisation on transport compliance matters with customers, regulators, industry bodies, and enforcement agencies as required. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing Transport Managers, Compliance Auditors, Fleet Administration Managers, and Fleet Administration teams.

• Establish clear objectives, performance standards, and development plans that support organisational goals and continuous professional development.

• Promote succession planning, capability development, and professional excellence across all compliance and fleet administration functions.

• Drive engagement, accountability, and ownership within teams to deliver outstanding compliance and governance outcomes. Reporting & Performance Management

• Deliver meaningful compliance reporting, analysis, and assurance information to Executive Leadership, Board members, and senior stakeholders.

• Monitor fleet compliance performance, identify emerging trends and risks, and provide strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making.

• Measure and report on compliance effectiveness, audit outcomes, corrective action progress, and organisational compliance maturity. Finance

• Full ownership for preparing and managing the central transport legal compliance budget.

• Ensure financial probity and value for the Stobart pound is obtained through our compliance systems.

• Liaise with our central IT teams on the contracts for our Compliance systems.

Qualifications

• What you’ll need...

• Experience:

• Essential

• Minimum 5 years' experience within transport compliance, fleet management, transport operations, or regulatory governance roles.

• Significant senior management experience within a large HGV fleet operation holding multiple Operator Licences across the UK and/or Ireland.

• Proven experience managing Transport Managers, compliance teams, fleet administration functions, or equivalent professional departments.

• Experience leading Operator Licence applications, variations, Transport Manager appointments, and regulatory submissions.

• Experience of successfully managing DVSA investigations, Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiries, compliance audits, and enforcement interventions.

• Experience developing and implementing transport compliance strategies, governance frameworks, and assurance programmes.

• Proven track record of improving compliance performance and reducing regulatory risk across multi-site operations.

• Experience presenting compliance performance and risk reports to Executive Leadership and Board-level stakeholders.

• Desirable

• Experience within a national logistics, distribution, supply chain, or road haulage organisation operating large commercial vehicle fleets.

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, business start-ups, or significant operational change programmes.

• Experience implementing digital transport compliance systems and business intelligence reporting solutions.

• Qualifications:

• Essential

• International Transport Manager CPC (National and International).

• Full UK Driving Licence.

• Evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

• Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Transport Management, Logistics, Business Management, Compliance, or related discipline.

• Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 or equivalent).

• Membership of an accredited professional body such as CILT, SOE, IoTA, Logistics UK, or RHA.

• NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.

Additional Information

What is in it for you?

If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact, develop your career, and be part of a team that works as one to achieve great results, we'd love to hear from you.

• Company Bonus - we achieve more when we work together, that’s why we celebrate our shared success through our bonus scheme.
• Private Medical Cover - enjoy peace of mind with access to Bupa's healthcare services.
• Company car or car Allowance - providing additional support and flexibility to help you stay mobile and connected.
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme - our salary sacrifice scheme offers a cost-effective way to drive an electric vehicle, with payments taken directly from your salary. Eligibility and salary thresholds apply.
• Wellbeing Support – your wellbeing matters to us. Through our Employee Assistance Programme, you'll have 24/7 access to confidential counselling and legal support, whenever you need it.
• Eye Care Vouchers – free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition – we love celebrating great work, we recognise those who go above and beyond.
• Everyday Discounts – our benefits platform gives you access to discounts from over 50 leading retailers, helping your money go further every day.