Traffic Planner

Traffic Planner

Reports to: Operations Manager

At Panda, we value waste and are seeking a Traffic Planner to support the day‑to‑day running of our collections depot, ensuring efficient driver routes, daily workloads, and safe, compliant operations.

• Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for container deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections across a wide geographical area
• Monitor driver workloads and driver hours, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies
• Communicate clearly with drivers throughout the day, providing instructions, updates and support
• Carry out thorough end‑of‑shift debriefs with drivers
• Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues, confirm bookings, provide ETAs and respond to queries
• Maintain accurate job records and ensure all information is updated correctly on relevant systems
• Respond quickly to operational changes, disruptions or service issues by adapting plans and reallocating resources
• Support transport compliance and SHEQ by promoting safe working practices and following company procedures
• Assist with tracking vehicle performance and utilisation across a large fleet of HGVs and LGVs
• Help improve transport planning processes, route efficiency and customer service delivery
• Support the wider transport and collections team with any reasonable tasks required

We are looking for someone who is organised, confident and able to stay calm in a busy, fast‑paced transport environment.

• Experience in a traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination role
• Experience with in waste, logistics, haulage, transport or a similar operational environment
• Good knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills
• The ability to prioritise, adapt and make effective decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with drivers, customers and internal teams
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving problems
• Good Microsoft Office skills
• A customer‑focused approach and commitment to delivering a reliable service
• A positive, team‑focused attitude with the ability to multitask in a busy operation

• A relevant qualification in transport, logistics or supply chain, such as CPC, NVQ or BTEC
• Familiarity with waste management operations
• Understanding of route planning principles
• Good geographical knowledge of the operating area
• Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements in a transport or depot environment
• Awareness of service‑level expectations in a commercial environment

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve. (DE&I Policy Statement)