Transport Planner​/Manager

Transport Planner/Manager – Container Haulage

Job location:

Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex.

Employment type:

Full‑time, Permanent. Salary:
Competitive, dependent on experience.

We are recruiting on behalf of a well‑established container haulage operator based in Stanford‑Le‑Hope. Due to continued growth, we are looking to appoint an experienced Transport Planner or Manager to join the traffic and planning function. This fast‑paced role is within a port‑centric logistics environment, focused on the efficient movement of containers across the UK supply chain. The successful candidate will ensure daily operations run smoothly, balancing customer requirements, driver availability, and port schedules.

• Plan and coordinate daily container movements in and out of London gateway port.
• Manage bookings, container releases, and port‑related scheduling activity.
• Work closely with drivers, customers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Monitor live operations and resolve issues such as delays, breakdowns, or disruptions.
• Adjust transport plans in real time to maintain service levels.
• Optimise fleet utilisation and reduce inefficiencies where possible.
• Support operational administration and compliance processes.
• Liaise with port systems and terminal processes as required.
• Ensure all work is completed in line with transport regulations and company procedures.

• Previous experience in container transport planning (mandatory).
• Strong knowledge of UK port operations (highly desirable).
• Experience with in a traffic office or transport coordination role.
• Familiarity with systems such as Destin8 or TOPS (advantageous).
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office (Excel beneficial).
• Confident decision‑maker with a proactive attitude.
• CPC qualification (mandatory for Transport Manager level candidates).

• Competitive salary depending on level and experience.
• 28 days holiday, including bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing transport operation.
• Supportive and experienced planning team environment.