Transport Planner
Overview
A growing dairy manufacturing business is seeking a hands-on
Transport Planner
to manage daily distribution operations across a fleet of 8 vehicles, including two tankers. This role ensures the efficient, timely, and cost-effective delivery of milk and cream products to retail and foodservice customers.
The successful candidate will be highly organised, practical, and comfortable balancing load planning duties with hands-on operational support, including van loading and occasional delivery driving when required.
Key Responsibilities
Transport Planning & Delivery Scheduling
* Plan and optimise daily delivery routes for a fleet of 8 vehicles, ensuring maximum efficiency and on-time customer service.
* Allocate loads to company vehicles and determine where 3rd-party hauliers should be used to supplement capacity or manage longer routes.
* Plan daily schedules for two tanker drivers, ensuring routes align with production and collection timelines.
* Prepare delivery manifests and ensure all paperwork is accurate and compliant.
Operational Support
* Assist in loading vans when required, ensuring products are handled correctly and in line with food safety standards.
* Provide driving cover during staff shortages, holiday periods, or unexpected absences.
* Support early-morning dispatch operations, ensuring all vehicles leave on time.
Fleet & Compliance Management
* Monitor vehicle maintenance schedules, inspections, and repair needs.
* Conduct basic vehicle checks and ensure drivers follow company policies regarding safety and hygiene.
* Maintain transport compliance records and liaise with external service providers.
People Coordination & Cover
* Organise driver rosters and ensure cover for holidays, absenteeism, and peak periods.
* Communicate clearly with drivers regarding route changes, delays, or customer issues.
* Support a positive working environment among drivers and warehouse/production teams.
3rd-Party Haulier Management
* Build constructive working relationships with external hauliers.
* Negotiate capacity, dates, pricing, and reliability as needed.
* Ensure 3rd-party operators meet required food safety and delivery standards.
Customer Service & Communication
* Serve as a primary point of contact for delivery queries.
* Liaise with production, sales, and customer service on order readiness, route issues, and urgent customer requests.
* Resolve delivery challenges quickly and professionally.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
* 2–3+ years' experience in transport planning, logistics coordination, or fleet management (food distribution experience an advantage).
* Strong route-planning capability and understanding of multi-drop delivery operations.
* Full clean driving licence; comfortable driving vans when required.
* Experience working in a fast-paced early-start environment.
* Ability to manage schedules, resources, and cover in a small-team setting.
* Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
* CPC qualification (not essential but a strong advantage).
* Experience planning tankers or liquid logistics.
* Understanding of basic food safety and chilled distribution requirements.
* IT skills suitable for route planning, basic reporting, and using dispatch systems.
Personal Attributes
* Hands-on, practical, and willing to step into operational duties when needed.
* Highly organised with a calm, solution-focused approach.
* Strong communicator who works well with drivers, production staff, and customers.
* Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining excellent service standards.
* Comfortable working in a small but ambitious growing family business.
We look forward to hearing from you.