Lead Transport Planner

AIMCH; Tunstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in the United Kingdom is seeking a dynamic Lead Transport Planner to oversee the full order lifecycle and transport planning operations. The role involves leading a team, ensuring accurate order capture, and creating transport plans that align with demand. Candidates should have a strong background in logistics leadership and be familiar with ERP and TMS tools. This position offers opportunities for development and several employee benefits.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Contributory pension scheme

Employee Assistance helpline

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading centralised logistics/planning teams.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methods.
• Strong grasp of logistics systems and fulfilment workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of order takers and transport planners.
• Ensure timely and accurate order capture.
• Create transport plans aligned with demand.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Customer-oriented service

Problem-solving

Tools

ERP systems

Transport Management Systems (TMS)

Job description

We’re looking for a dynamic Lead Transport Planner to take ownership of the full order lifecycle and transport planning operations. In this pivotal role, you’ll ensure seamless order processing, optimal resource allocation, and timely delivery of goods while meeting our high standards of service every step of the way. Acting as the key interface between sales, logistics, and customer service, you’ll drive operational excellence, champion continuous improvement, and support strategic enhancements across our fulfilment and transport functions.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of order takers and transport planners
• Act as deputy for the Planning & Service Manager
• Ensure timely and accurate order capture and delivery planning
• Create transport plans aligned with demand and availability
• Allocate vehicles and resources to meet SLAs
• Coordinate with 3PLs, own fleet, and internal teams for dispatch
• Monitor transport execution and resolve issues proactively
• Track daily loads and share real‑time updates
• Handle escalations for order and delivery issues
• Produce daily performance reports and KPI dashboards
• Report logistics‑related ancillary costs
• Support system upgrades and digital initiatives
• Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and environmental standards

Key Characteristics

• Pragmatic, resilient, and solutions‑focused
• Customer‑oriented with strong service ethos
• Clear, confident communicator
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement
• Passionate about team development and improvement
• Knowledgeable in transport legislation
• Detail‑oriented and numerate
• Proficient in planning tools, ERP, and TMS

To Succeed In This Role, You’ll Need

• Experience leading centralised logistics/planning teams
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methods
• Strong grasp of logistics systems and fulfilment workflows

Experience / Education

We value transferable skills such as:

• Operational efficiency and cost control
• Driver and transport legislation knowledge
• Understanding of O Licence requirements
• Positive leadership and communication
• Relationship‑building across teams and partners

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
• Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
• Access to employee communities (REACH, Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female Voice, and menopause)
• Training and development opportunities

Tarmac, a CRH company, is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

To apply, please click the “apply” button below. We may tighten the closing date if the position attracts many applications, so we encourage you to submit promptly.