Job Title: Senior Transport Planner
Location: Castle Donington
Reporting to: Head of Planning
Shift Pattern: Tuesday - Saturday
Purpose
To lead and coordinate the daily and strategic transport planning for the Castle Donington operation, ensuring safe, compliant and cost‑effective delivery of all customer requirements. The Senior Transport Planner drives day‑to‑day execution, long‑term planning, forecasting, stakeholder communication and continuous improvement across the network.
Primary Responsibilities
Daily Transport Planning & Execution
- Builds and delivers the daily transport plan.
- Allocates drivers, vehicles and trailers compliantly.
- Responds dynamically to delays, breakdowns and late orders.
Strategic & Forward Planning
- Produces multi‑day plans and weekend schedules.
- Highlights capacity risks and operational pinch points.
- Supports route redesigns and shift optimisation.
Forecasting, KPIs & Reporting
- Produces forecasts, trailer utilisation and reverse logistics reports.
- Generates all daily, weekly and monthly KPIs.
- Provides insights to support decision making.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Control
- Identifies inefficiencies and leads improvement initiatives.
- Supports cost control, trailer utilisation and trunking optimisation.
- Improves service performance and operational efficiency.
Systems, Data & Process Integrity
- Maintains planning systems and ensures data accuracy.
- Upholds strong backup and resilience processes.
- Leads SOP compliance and process consistency.
Reverse Logistics & Equipment Control
- Manages trailer, pallet and cage movements.
- Supports stock and equipment accuracy across sites.
Stakeholder Communication
- Acts as key link between operations, customer services, commercial and senior management.
- Provides clear daily communication and escalation.
Leadership & Support
- Supports and coaches planners and admins.
- Provides operational support during peak periods.
- Deputises for the Planning Manager when required.
Key Relationships
- Transport Teams
- Site Operations
- Commercial, Finance & Systems
- Senior Leadership
- External Partners & Suppliers
Essential Skills
- Proven experience in transport planning.
- Commercial awareness and data interpretation capability.
- Strong coaching, leadership and influencing skills.
- Resilient and confident decision‑maker.
- Flexible and positive attitude.
Desirable Skills
- FMCG, chilled or high‑volume logistics experience.
- Experience in optimisation, automation or network design.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Transport Planning: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
