My client, a leading logistics company are recruiting for an experienced (UK) Transport Planner for their team in Dartford ;
This is an extremely busy role and you will be in constant contact with various personnel, from drivers to depot & Management to thd tracker team, distribution centres, etc keeping them updated of any transport delays, load problems, delivery issues etc
You will be scheduling collections and deliveries from various UK sites and arranging one or multiple drops; comprising of either day or overnight drops.
You will be planning and forecasting routes, allocating drivers ( taking into account their rotas, hours & shifts patterns, ) ensuring all delivery/collection timings are met and are within KPI’s
The loads will be varied from chilled, fresh & ambient and could comprise of flowers, fruit, recycling etc
All these duties must take into account the most cost efficient and cost effective means, in line with the business objectives, customer service levels and current legislative requirements.

Duties;
• Set up Drivers rota ensuring accurate allocation of driver to vehicle.
• Plan a collection schedule to maximise load fill whilst considering supplier location and timings.
• Build pallets into loads to maximise trailer load fill.
• Build an efficient traffic plan in the system to cover all loads, maximising the use of company owned vehicles, whilst keeping empty running to a minimum.
• Using the in house systems build the tracking screen in line with the traffic plan.
• Produce overnight loading sheet for Warehouse and communicate effectively.
• Communicate the plan to Drivers, either by phone or online text.

Executing
• Review handover from Night shift as per requirements
• Attend daily site meeting.
• Execute the plan to ensure customer KPIs and internal targets are achieved.
• Manage breakdowns from point of first notification to repair
• Respond to operational delays and amend the plan accordingly to ensure customer service levels and internal KPIs are fulfilled
• Review all customer requests and action where appropriate.
• Build into the plan any additional loads that are taken on during the course of the day ensuring systems and stakeholders are updated.
• Ensure equipment is made available as per service providers and/or Transport Managers request.
• Documented handover for the Night shift as per requirements set out in the Company manual.

• Ensure company compliance of all transport policies, legislation and procedures at all times, including ensuring equipment is planned for service at the correct time and work allocated in consistent with the Working Time Directive and driving hours regulations.
• Build strong relationships with Drivers and customers.
• Ensure the plan will meet customer and internal KPIs.
• Effective dispatch of Drivers, making sure they are provided with appropriate job instructions, paperwork and necessary resources to carry out their tasks.
• Ensure all necessary paperwork for owner-drivers ad subcontractors, including current O licence, goods in transit insurance and motor/trailer cover us current and held on file.
• Ensure 100% accuracy of data entry into operating systems.
• Maintain close communication with all operational stakeholders.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in a similar role ; Transport planning experience essential (UK ideally)
Legal and technical knowledge of LGV operations
Outstanding geographical knowledge
Demonstrate ability to ensure business critical routines are met without fail.
Is a team player
Is good at building Customer relationships and focused on providing an excellent Customer service
H&S awareness
Happy working 4 days on 4 days off ; 8am – 8pm shift rota