Distribution

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

For 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

For 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.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• 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.

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

You can find out more about becoming a transport manager from:The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA); Transport Planning Society; Generation Logistics

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could specialise in rail, sea or air transport.

You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.