Sophie Cairns
Wootton,Northamptonshire
Summary
Accomplished professional with a Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers (Road Haulage), demonstrating exceptional ability to manage time and prioritise workload effectively. Known for drive and determination, with proven skills in influencing at all levels and delivering continuous improvement. A team player with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a very good understanding of MS Office and WMS. Possesses a foundational understanding of machine learning, aiming to leverage these skills towards developing self and others in dynamic environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work history
Transport Development Manager
Wickes
Northampton, Northamptonshire
08.2023 - Current
- Executed comprehensive risk assessments and conducted SME-led yard safety audits for compliance.
- Led measurable enhancements in safety protocols and operational efficiency across store yards.
- Coordinated with Wincanton on transport initiatives and investigated incidents for root-cause analysis.
- Supported the National Fleet and Compliance Manager in strategic oversight of fleet operations.
- Oversaw the successful delivery of key projects, adhering to timelines and budgets.
- Established effective communication channels, fostering relationships among cross-functional teams.
- Collaborated with the 'Stay Safe' team to establish best practices and mitigate hazards.
- Currently undertaking a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management and Leadership.
Transport Operations Manager
Wickes, Store Distribution Centre
Northampton, Northamptonshire
01.2017 - 08.2023
- Managed transport operations for store delivery network, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety regulations.
- Drove improvements in Health & Safety, maintaining accurate risk assessments for safe delivery procedures.
- Handled unforeseen circumstances efficiently, prioritising safety for all individuals involved.
- Developed and implemented a training programme for newly qualified drivers, enhancing safety and cost-efficiency.
- Fostered a supportive environment to encourage continuous improvement and professional development of the team.
Senior Route Planner
Carlsberg, Jacobsen House
11.2014 - 01.2017
- Supported management team in enhancing productivity and compliance across departments.
- Ensured departmental master data remained accurate and up to date.
- Delivered precise plans for Depot operations to optimise efficiency.
- Served as primary point of contact for planning tool enhancements among stakeholders.
- Achieved significant KPI improvements, including 31% increase in route adherence year-on-year.
- Reached 6.5% improvement in Depot performance during current financial year.
- Consistently exceeded budgetary targets for driver performance during Peak 2015.
Route Planner
Carlsberg, Jacobsen House
11.2013 - 11.2014
- Delivered accurate and timely plans, achieving all key metrics in a balanced, cost-effective manner.
- Updated and maintained Master Data for Warehouse operations to support delivery objectives.
- Developed and implemented processes for Punch ETA accounts, ensuring maintenance of delivery windows across warehouses.
- Generated and sustained revenue streams for Carlsberg through effective account management.
Tesco National Delivery Centre
Tesco, Fenny Lock
Milton Keynes
10.2000 - 09.2011
- Drove 11 years of progressive leadership across Transport Scheduling, Transport Management, and Warehouse Management, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and compliance.
- Achieved significant measurable results, including increasing driver attendance from 4.7% absence to 0% absence and delivering a 4% increase in units per driver per hour across the transport division.
- Managed large-scale, time-sensitive logistics, planning, and coordinating over 250 daily vehicle movements and up to 750,000 units while strictly adhering to legal driving regulations.
- Consistently achieved all departmental KPIs for performance and attendance, successfully maintaining output and team morale during a site-wide redundancy situation.
- Developed and formalised the department’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to drive best practices and optimal delivery efficiency.
- Oversaw all team management duties, including payroll maintenance, conflict resolution, and providing long-term support to a team member and their family following a serious accident on shift.
Education
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship - Business Management and Leadership
Aston University
Birmingham 01.2023 -
Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence - Transport Managers (Road Haulage)
BTEC National Diploma - Design
Trowbridge College
Trowbridge 09.1992 - 07.1995
3 GCSEs A - C grade - Art, Design and Realisation, and English Literature
Market Lavington Comprehensive
Market Lavington 01.1987 - 01.1992
Skills
- Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers (Road Haulage)
- Ability to manage time and prioritise workload
- Drive and determination
- Influencing at all levels
- Ability to deliver continuous improvement
- Proven ability to develop self and others
- A team player
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Very good understanding and proficiency in MS Office and WMS
- Machine learning understanding
References
References are available on request.
Hobbies & Interests
I have a keen interest in portrait photography. I enjoy the interaction between the subject and the environment in which the photograph is taken. I relish the challenge of constantly improving how I use each piece of equipment to get its full potential.
Timeline
Transport Development Manager
Wickes
08.2023 - Current
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship - Business Management and Leadership
Aston University
01.2023 -
Transport Operations Manager
Wickes, Store Distribution Centre
01.2017 - 08.2023
Senior Route Planner
Carlsberg, Jacobsen House
11.2014 - 01.2017
Route Planner
Carlsberg, Jacobsen House
11.2013 - 11.2014
Tesco National Delivery Centre
Tesco, Fenny Lock
10.2000 - 09.2011
BTEC National Diploma - Design
Trowbridge College
09.1992 - 07.1995
3 GCSEs A - C grade - Art, Design and Realisation, and English Literature
Market Lavington Comprehensive
01.1987 - 01.1992