Transport Planner

Transport Planner / Transport Operation Planner

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £30,000 plus performance‑related bonus after successful probation

Working Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Friday (1‑hour unpaid break)

To ensure that the distribution network is planned so that deliveries are made in the most effective, efficient and cost‑effective way, utilising dynamic route‑planning software and internal operating systems. The role provides a world‑class distribution service to clients and manages effective scheduling, health & safety, legislation and compliance while working closely with key stakeholders within the business.

• Dynamic daily route planning ensuring maximum vehicle utilisation analysing and interpreting data.
• Validate routes on Sage and map them to ensure that the correct customers are dropped onto the correct rounds and days. Report any issues to the sales team.
• Maintain high‑level communication with the night‑shift operations ensuring a clear hand‑off of next‑day delivery requirements.
• Ensure all routes have the correct number of drops as per optimisation and complete within working hours, maintaining weight reports on every vehicle through the internal WMS.
• Review routes with the line manager weekly and refresh dynamic route optimisation.
• Maintain excellent communication lines with 3PL providers and seamlessly book client deliveries via Ceva / Bidfood / BA etc.
• Check vehicle maintenance schedules weekly and plan route optimisation around any downtime, working closely with supply chain and logistics managers.
• Stay up to date with government transport and planning policy and legislation.
• Communicate with the sales team any changes to delivery, route or schedule.
• Advise line manager of any obstructions that could impede safe, efficient deliveries on time.
• Maintain vehicle temperature checks and audit weekly, reporting discrepancies directly to the Supply Chain and Logistics Manager.
• Support cover for the line manager when on leave or absent.
• Collate and log driver KPIs using route optimisation software and other platforms daily, enabling review with the head of operations.
• Monitor PCNs and report to Supply Chain and Logistics Manager and Head of Operations.
• Collate driver daily defect reports and communicate directly with the Supply Chain and Logistics Manager for resolution.
• Update or change any delivery instructions for drivers working closely with telesales and customer‑service colleagues.
• Maintain weekly vehicle checks alongside Supply Chain and Logistics Manager.

• £30,000 plus performance‑related bonus after successful probation
• 25 days holiday plus public holidays
• Cash health plan (money back for dentist, opticians, physio, etc.)
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• Staff discount on all products
• Pension (3% employer, 5% employee)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to adapt plans
• IT skills for using spreadsheets (Excel) and route‑planning software
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Good administration skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook

• Strong geographical knowledge of the UK, particularly London and the south of England

• Experience in transport or distribution background

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles such as Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, or Transportation Supervisor will all be considered.