Transport Planner – Optimisation & Central Planning
Henley-in-Arden (Preferred) | Flexible across UK depots
Circa £40,000 depending on experience + Benefits
The Role
If you work in transport planning, fleet scheduling or logistics planning, you will know what matters — getting the plan right, reducing empty mileage and making better use of vehicles and drivers.
This is a central transport planning role focused on optimisation, analysis and improving performance across a national operation.
You will review depot plans, identify inefficiencies and work with local teams to improve vehicle utilisation, driver scheduling and cost efficiency.
This is not about maintaining a schedule, it is about improving it.
You will be part of a local team, backed by a growing national group.
Why This Role Exists
Across our network, there are opportunities every day to:
· Reduce empty mileage
· Improve driver and vehicle utilisation
· Combine work more effectively
· Unlock unused capacity
This role exists to find those opportunities and turn them into real, measurable improvements.
What You’ll Be Doing
· Reviewing transport plans across multiple depots to identify inefficiencies
· Improving vehicle utilisation, reducing empty legs and optimising routes
· Working directly with planners and operations managers to challenge and improve plans
· Supporting peak periods, contract changes and complex scheduling
· Tracking and reporting cost savings, risks and opportunities
What Success Looks Like
· Measurable reductions in cost through better planning
· Improved driver and vehicle utilisation across the network
· Strong working relationships with depot planners and operators
· Clear, data-led recommendations that influence decisions
Tools & Environment
· Heavy use of Excel for analysis, tracking and reporting
· Transport planning and scheduling systems (Coach Manager highly desirable)
· Collaboration with multiple depots and central stakeholders
What We’re Looking For
Essential
· Experience in transport planning, fleet planning or logistics scheduling
· Strong understanding of driver hours and operational constraints
· Proven ability to identify inefficiencies and improve plans
· Confidence working with data, spreadsheets and analysis
· Ability to work with and challenge stakeholders constructively
Skills & Strengths
· Strong Excel skills and ability to work with large datasets
· Clear communicator who can present insights and influence decisions
· Curious mindset, someone who wants to understand how the business really works
· Practical problem solver who can “get under the skin” of planning
· Interest in optimisation, continuous improvement or automation (AI a bonus)
Experience That Will Set You Apart
· Experience using Coach Manager / Distinctive Systems
· Background in coach, bus or fleet operations
· Experience improving transport efficiency or reducing operating costs
(Coach system experience is highly valued, but not essential if you bring the right planning mindset and capability.)
Why Join Us
This is not a standard depot-based planning role.
You will work across multiple businesses, see the bigger picture and play a direct role in improving how the group operates.
At The Coach Travel Group, we are built on collaboration, powered by trust and focused on growth and that applies to how we work internally as well.
You will be part of a team where your input matters, your analysis leads to action and your impact is visible.
Apply Now
If you are a transport planner who enjoys improving performance, solving problems and working with data, we would like to hear from you.
The Coach Travel Group
Local teams. National strength. One team delivering every journey
Pay: £34,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
