Transport Planner

Transport Planner | Rochdale | £35,000

A long-standing, family-owned name in UK logistics is looking to strengthen its transport planning team in Rochdale. Ranked among the country's top 10 logistics providers and holding recognition from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, this business runs a nationwide network of distribution centres and a workforce of over 600. Elevation Recruitment Group is supporting the search for a Transport Planner to support the next phase of growth.

What You'll Be Doing

Stepping into this role, you'll take ownership of the daily transport plan — balancing owned fleet capacity against sub-contracted haulage to hit every customer delivery window at the lowest achievable cost. You'll be the point of contact for a portfolio of customers, flagging issues proactively and resolving queries before they escalate. Drivers will look to you for clear, timely instruction, and you'll need to think on your feet when the day's plan needs to change.

Where You'll Add Value

• Build a daily load plan across own vehicles and third-party carriers that keeps costs down without compromising service
• Partner with the Transport Manager and your fellow planner to hit daily revenue targets
• Drive weekly backhaul revenue in line with targets
• Keep sub-contractor spend and margins within agreed parameters
• Own the Transport Management System day to day, producing an accurate traffic sheet for the next day's operation
• Brief drivers each day on start times, loads, and any changes to plan
• Check in with drivers throughout the day — more frequently for agency staff — and course-correct where the plan slips
• Stay close to customers to make sure service expectations are consistently met
• Flex your hours when the business needs it, including occasional early starts or late finishes
• Keep system records accurate and work closely with the Transport Manager and Supervisor on process and training

What You'll Bring

• At least 2 years in a transport or load planning role, ideally spanning more than one site
• CPC National qualification strongly preferred
• Background in general haulage, pallet networks, or groupage is a plus
• A solid grasp of vehicle utilisation and how to maximise it
• Comfortable working solo or as part of a close-knit team, even when the pressure's on
• Clear, confident communicator who can issue direction without ambiguity
• Competent across TMS platforms and general IT systems