Job Description -Traffic Planner – Container Logistics
Job Title Traffic Planner
Department Traffic Garston
Operations
Reports To Rebecca Murray
Transport Manager
Location Garston
As required by the business.
Job Purpose
The Traffic Planner is responsible for the efficient planning and routing of container transport operations, ensuring vehicles, drivers and customer requirements are managed effectively while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and customer service.
The role requires excellent organisational skills, the ability to make decisions under pressure, and the confidence to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced transport environment. The successful candidate must be a strong team player who can integrate well with the existing operations team while also being capable of working independently using their own initiative.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and route company vehicles to maximise efficiency, productivity and profitability.
- Allocate work to drivers while ensuring legal compliance with drivers' hours and Working Time Directive regulations.
- Monitor daily vehicle movements and make changes to schedules where required to meet customer expectations.
- Liaise with drivers throughout the day, providing clear instructions and resolving operational issues as they arise.
- Deal with driver queries, delays, breakdowns, accidents and other operational challenges in a calm and professional manner.
- Ensure all transport activities comply with company policies, operator licence requirements and relevant transport legislation.
- Work closely with the compliance and fleet teams to ensure vehicles remain roadworthy, legally compliant and available for service.
- Maintain accurate records of transport movements and operational activity.
- Communicate effectively with customers, ports, rail terminals, depots and subcontractors regarding collections, deliveries and service updates.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs.
- Support other members of the traffic office when required and contribute to maintaining a positive, professional working environment.
Compliance Responsibilities
The Traffic Planner will be expected to:
- Promote a strong culture of compliance throughout daily operations.
- Ensure transport plans comply with Drivers' Hours Regulations and the Working Time Directive.
- Escalate any compliance concerns immediately to management.
- Ensure vehicle defects, accidents and incidents are reported and managed in accordance with company procedures.
- Support the company in maintaining its Operator's Licence obligations.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Previous experience working within a transport planning or container logistics environment.
- Excellent geographical knowledge of the UK road network.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with drivers, customers and colleagues.
- Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Able to work on own initiative with minimal supervision.
- A positive attitude and willingness to support the wider team.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
IT Skills
The successful candidate must be fully conversant with:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
Experience of transport management systems and vehicle tracking software would be advantageous.
Personal Attributes
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- A strong work ethic and professional attitude.
- Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to fit in with an established operations team.
- Reliability, honesty and integrity.
- Confidence when communicating with drivers and customers.
- Flexibility to respond to changing operational demands.
- A proactive approach with the ability to identify and resolve issues before they become problems.
- A commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Efficient utilisation of company vehicles and drivers.
- High levels of customer service.
- Compliance with transport legislation and company procedures.
- Accurate and timely planning of daily operations.
- Positive working relationships with drivers and colleagues.
- Contribution to achieving departmental productivity and financial targets.
Working Hours
This role operates within the company's transport planning function and flexibility will be required to meet the operational needs of the business. Additional hours may be required during periods of increased workload.
Equal Opportunities
The Company is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive working environment where all employees are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Supply Chain: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
