Job Purpose
Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now.
The Transport Planner will play a key role in managing and overseeing the transport operations for key customer accounts. The individual will ensure that all transport requirements are met efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with customer expectations. This includes planning and monitoring jobs, allocating drivers, subcontracting work as necessary, and responding proactively to resolve any operational issues.
Key Responsibilities
1. Account Management:
* Act as the primary point of contact for the assigned customers, ensuring clear and professional communication at all times.
* Develop a deep understanding of the customer’s transport requirements, ensuring all expectations are consistently met.
2. Transport Planning and Coordination:
* Plan and schedule the transport of goods, assigning jobs to drivers and subcontractors as required.
* Manage resources to ensure optimal efficiency and adherence to deadlines.
* Monitor jobs in progress, ensuring they are completed on time and to the required standard.
3. Proactive Problem-Solving:
* Identify and resolve issues promptly, such as delays, route changes, or vehicle breakdowns.
* Communicate solutions effectively with the customer and other stakeholders to maintain high service levels.
4. Subcontractor Management:
* Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure reliability and quality of service.
* Negotiate rates and agreements with subcontractors to optimise cost efficiency.
5. Compliance and Reporting:
* Ensure all transport activities comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including health and safety standards.
* Maintain accurate records of jobs, including updates on delays, changes, and completed deliveries.
* Prepare and present reports on key performance metrics, such as on-time delivery rates and cost efficiencies.
6. Customer Relationship Management:
* Build and maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with customers, ensuring their satisfaction with the service provided.
* Attend regular meetings with the customers to review performance and identify areas for improvement.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Proven experience in a transport planning or logistics role, ideally managing large accounts or key customers.
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
* Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience working with drivers and subcontractors, including managing schedules and negotiating agreements.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to build positive relationships with customers, drivers, and subcontractors.
* Proficient in using transport management systems (TMS) and other relevant software.
* Good knowledge of UK transport regulations and compliance requirements.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
* Experience within the logistics industry handling high-value or time-sensitive goods.
* Knowledge of route planning software and tools.
* Understanding of cost management and budget optimisation in transport operations.
Personal Attributes:
* Proactive and solution-focused, with a keen eye for detail.
* Customer-oriented mindset, with the ability to understand and meet client needs.
* Resilient and adaptable, capable of handling unexpected challenges calmly and effectively.
* A team player who can collaborate effectively while also taking ownership of individual tasks.
Qualifications:
* Standard Grades or equivalent (essential).
* SVQ or professional qualifications in logistics, transport planning, or related fields (desirable).
* Full UK driving license (desirable).
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday, hours tbc, with occasional out-of-hours work as required to manage transport operations.