Transport Planning Manager - Walking Floor

Transport Planning Manager – Walking Floor

• Lead the Planning Team: Manage a team of transport planners and oversee the daily plan, optimising HGV schedules for Walking Floor movements.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with Procurement and act as the main point of contact for internal customers—providing updates, resolving service issues, and managing workload forecasts.
• Operational Coordination: Liaise with drivers, site operations, customers, transport teams, and procurement to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor Live Operations: Respond promptly to incidents such as breakdowns or delays.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to transport regulations and safety standards.
• Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate records for performance monitoring and reporting.
• Supplier Management: Handle relationships with third-party suppliers, including quotations and supporting new business opportunities (in partnership with the Head of Logistics for larger tenders).
• Fleet Optimisation: Work alongside the Transport Planning Manager – Skip Operations to maximise driver and vehicle utilisation.
• Escalation Support: Act as the escalation contact during agreed out-of-hours periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of professional drivers, ensuring smooth operations and high performance.
• Leverage expert UK geographical knowledge, including HGV-access routes and restrictions, to optimise planning and delivery.
• Build strong relationships with drivers and customers through clear, confident communication.
• Stay calm under pressure, proactively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Champion innovation and sustainability within logistics and transport operations.
• Apply a methodical, detail-oriented approach to planning and problem-solving.
• Drive operational excellence in waste transport, logistics planning, and Walking Floor operations.
• Ensure compliance with the Working Time Directive and EU Drivers’ Hours regulations.
• Utilise telematics systems for efficient route planning and resource management.
• Manage budgets effectively, aligning operational decisions with financial targets.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience managing driver teams and operating at a comparable level of responsibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK geography, including HGV-access routes and restrictions.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with drivers and customers.
• Calm, proactive, and highly organised, capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Genuine passion for logistics, sustainability, and the wider transport industry.
• Methodical and logical approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Hands-on experience in waste transport, logistics planning, and Walking Floor operations.
• Sound understanding of the Working Time Directive and EU Drivers’ Hours regulations.
• Practical knowledge of route planning using telematics systems.
• Experience in working within and understanding budgetary requirements.