Transport Planning Manager

Transport Planning Manager | Logistics | N. Wales / Cheshire Boarder | c£45k*

• Monday to Friday working with occasional Saturday mornings on call for escalations.

About the Opportunity

An established and growing business within the distribution sector is seeking an experienced Transport Planning Manager / Senior Transport Planner to lead its transport planning operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced transport professional looking to take ownership of a busy logistics function, manage a high-performing planning operation, and play a key role in driving operational efficiency and customer service.

Working as part of the senior operations team, you will oversee the daily movement of equipment across multiple customer sites, ensuring vehicles and drivers are utilised effectively while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, safety, and service.

The Role

This is a hands-on management position combining strategic planning with day-to-day operational oversight. You will be responsible for leading the transport planning function, improving processes, supporting a team of planners and drivers, and ensuring deliveries and collections are completed safely, efficiently, and on time.

You will also play a key role in identifying opportunities to improve fleet utilisation, reduce transport costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day transport planning operation for a busy fleet.

• Plan and coordinate vehicle movements to maximise fleet utilisation and operational efficiency.

• Manage daily workloads, prioritising urgent customer requirements and changing operational demands.

• Support, mentor and develop transport planning staff while maintaining strong communication with drivers.

• Monitor vehicle tracking systems and respond proactively to delays, breakdowns and operational issues.

• Ensure compliance with Operator Licence requirements, Driver Hours Regulations, Working Time Directive and all relevant transport legislation.

• Liaise with workshop and maintenance teams to coordinate servicing schedules and maximise vehicle availability.

• Build strong relationships with customers, ensuring a professional and responsive service at all times.

• Produce transport performance reports and monitor KPIs relating to utilisation, service levels and operational efficiency.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement across transport planning processes and fleet operations.

• Work closely with senior management to support business growth and operational planning.

About You

We're looking for an experienced transport professional who combines strong operational knowledge with excellent leadership and planning skills.

You will have:

• Proven experience in a Transport Planning Manager, Senior Transport Planner, or similar transport management role.

• Previous experience within construction, heavy haulage, logistics, or fleet operations (preferred).

• Excellent understanding of UK transport legislation, Operator Licence compliance, Driver Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive.

• Strong geographical knowledge and route planning expertise.

• Experience managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced operational environment.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer service, compliance and operational efficiency.

• Good IT skills, including transport management systems and Microsoft Office.

• A proactive approach with excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Full-time, permanent position.

• Monday to Friday working with occasional Saturday mornings on call for escalations.

• Opportunity to lead an established transport operation within a growing business.

• Genuine opportunities for career progression and professional development.

• Company pension.

• Free on-site parking.

• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

BH36575