10 July 2025
Discover Maria Bartlett's journey and how administration meets operations in a role that offers variety, responsibility and plenty of room to grow.
What's it like to work as a Transport Administrator?
My role plays a crucial part in keeping our transport operations running smoothly and efficiently. I support the Transport Manager by processing driver tickets and timesheets, carrying out monthly licence and infringement checks and helping to manage vehicle maintenance planning and record-keeping.
One of my key responsibilities is supporting the Transport Manager to ensure compliance within the fleet. I regularly check all our drivers’ licences using the DVLA online service to make sure licences are valid. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential in this part of the role.
There’s also a strong analytical side to the job. I produce detailed reports for various departments, including tonnage data on digestate and waste movements and a monthly Transport KPI report for our executives. It’s really rewarding to look back over the year’s data and see the impact we’ve made.
While the role follows a routine weekly pattern, which I actually enjoy, the busiest time for us is March and April. During these months, we’re clearing out storage that’s been filled over the winter, so the pace picks up significantly.
One of the things I really appreciate is the flexibility. I usually work from home a few days a week and visit our Cassington site weekly. Being able to plan my own schedule has really improved my worklife balance. Having a quieter workspace at home helps with focus, especially since the office can get busy at times.
Although the job doesn't involve many phone calls, I jump in to support the Transport Manager when needed. Overall, it’s a balanced, steady role with a meaningful contribution to the company’s success.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being part of an operational environment. It’s dynamic, practical and people focused. While Green Power is a large and structured organisation, working on the operational side means I get to collaborate with a wide range of individuals, from site teams to drivers, each bringing their own energy and expertise. The people really make the difference, and I’ve been lucky to work with a great group of colleagues who are always willing to help. The drivers I support are approachable and responsive, which makes my day-to-day work that much easier and more enjoyable.
One of the proudest parts of my role has been developing our digital ticketing system. When I first joined, everything was done on paper. I designed and built an electronic system from scratch that now helps us track loads, delivery locations and more. Creating a tailored system that really works for us has been incredibly rewarding.
I also love working with data, reporting on things like tonnage moved, revenue and compliance. Producing our monthly Transport KPI report is something I look forward to because it provides a clear snapshot of how we’re performing and how things change throughout the year. It’s especially interesting during busy times like the beginning of Spring, when we’re clearing storage and preparing for peak operations.
This role has really evolved since I started, and I’ve been able to take on more responsibility and make a real impact. Coming from a previous position as a Production Assistant in a steel company, it’s great to be part of a supportive and inclusive environment. That sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully is what makes this job so enjoyable.
What inspired you to work in transport?
Because the haulage industry plays such a vital role in keeping everything moving. It supports countless other sectors across the country, and that’s given me the opportunity to experience several different industries throughout my career so far. From steel manufacturing to anaerobic digestion and renewable energy, transport has been the constant thread connecting my work.
What I’ve really appreciated is how transferable the skills are. My time in the steel industry gave me a solid foundation in logistics and compliance, and I carried that forward into my current role. Understanding driver regulations, legal rest periods and vehicle maintenance records is critical no matter the industry. Plus, my growing geographical knowledge has been a big asset in understanding efficient haulage.
While I enjoy the transport side, I see my future more in administrative coordination than in people management. For me, worklife balance is important, so I’m not looking to become a Transport Manager, but a role like Operations Coordinator would be ideal. It would allow me to continue applying my knowledge while learning more about other sides of the operations within the business.
What skills are important for someone who wants to step into your role?
Having strong computer skills is essential. A big part of my job involves working with digital tools to streamline tasks and support the wider transport team. For example, I’ve built our vehicle maintenance planner using Google Sheets. I also help team members get up to speed with using devices like iPads and iPhones for digital ticketing and paperwork.
Transport can be a fast-paced and unpredictable environment, so multitasking and time management are really important. On any given day, I might be answering driver queries, updating records, checking systems and communicating with the finance team — all at once. Each month comes with its own set of deadlines, particularly around driver.