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.

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

You could apply to do a Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship with a road transport company.

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 working for a passenger transport company, you might be able to do a Passenger Transport Operations Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start with a transport company as a HGV driver, depot supervisor or transport clerk. You might then move into a road transport manager's job through training and promotion.

You could apply directly for road transport manager jobs. You'll be expected to have experience and qualifications in road transport, warehouse management or logistics.

You'll need:

• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• business management skills
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You might need a Certificate of Professional Competence if you're the operator of a haulage or transport business. This is known as a Driver CPC.

As a road transport manager, you could:

• work closely with suppliers and customers
• use transport management systems to plan routes and delivery times
• manage contracts and make sure targets are met
• maintain accurate records and incident reports
• organise training for supervisors, admin staff and drivers
• make sure drivers follow transport regulations and safety policies
• arrange vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments
• provide driver cover when required

You could work at a distribution depot, in an office or at a client's business.