Transport Planning Manager
Location: Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire
Reporting to: Operations Director
Join Star Platforms
Star Platforms is one of the UK's leading powered access specialists, providing high-quality equipment and exceptional customer service to customers across the construction, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
We are looking for an experienced Transport Planning Manager to lead our transport planning function, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective delivery and collection of hire equipment while maintaining outstanding service levels for our customers.
This is a key operational management role responsible for leading the Planning Team, driving transport efficiency and ensuring vehicle, driver and route utilisation are optimised to support the needs of the business.
The Role
As Transport Planning Manager, you will lead and develop the Planning Team, ensuring the effective scheduling of deliveries and collections while balancing customer requirements, operational efficiency and cost control.
Working closely with the Hire Fleet Operations Manager, Engineering teams and Customer Service colleagues, you will play a critical role in ensuring equipment reaches customers safely, on time and in the most efficient manner possible.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Transport Planning Team.
- Ensure the cost-effective and on-time delivery and collection of hire equipment.
- Lead the planning team in developing and optimising transport routes to maximise vehicle utilisation, operational efficiency and customer service performance.
- Develop, implement and monitor planning standards, processes and KPIs to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Manage the day-to-day activities of the planning team, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to meet customer and business requirements.
- Maintain effective communication with drivers throughout the day to manage live operational activity and changing priorities.
- Monitor transport performance, vehicle utilisation and route efficiency.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and coaching sessions with team members.
- Build a positive, customer-focused and high-performing team culture.
- Work closely with internal departments to ensure a coordinated and efficient service.
- Support the resolution of customer issues and service challenges.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service levels, productivity and operational performance.
About You
You will be an experienced transport, logistics or planning professional with a proven track record of managing operational teams and delivering excellent service performance.
Essential
- Previous experience in a transport planning, logistics or operational planning role.
- Experience leading and managing a planning or operational team.
- Strong understanding of route planning, vehicle utilisation and resource allocation.
- Knowledge of transport compliance and operational best practice.
- Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and transport planning systems.
Desirable
- Experience within the hire, powered access, plant hire, construction or logistics sectors.
- Knowledge of equipment delivery and collection operations.
- CPC qualification or equivalent transport-related qualification.
We Offer:
· Competitive Salary
- Company Profit Share Scheme
- Generous Holidays: 25 days annual leave + your birthday off + bank holidays
- Wellbeing Benefits: Contributory pension scheme, health cash plan, and life assurance
- Career Progression: Excellent career stability and progression prospects
- Additional Perks: Free parking, Cycle2Work scheme, and more
This is a full-time, permanent position working Monday to Friday. Apply now and take the next step in your career email cv to [email protected]
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
