Load Planner

Arc Recruitment; Halifax; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Arc Recruitment (Yorks) Ltd seeks a Load Planner in Halifax to manage day-to-day transport operations, allocate drivers, plan routes with Paragon, and ensure on-time deliveries within budget.

You will monitor vehicle utilisation, enforce SOPs, and produce KPI reports while coordinating with warehouse and customer service teams. Strong IT and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous transport planning experience, ideally with Paragon.
• Working knowledge of drivers' hours regulations and operator licence requirements.
• Strong IT, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet daily delivery deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with drivers, warehouse teams and other departments.

Responsibilities

• Allocate work to drivers and mates to maximise vehicle utilisation and workforce efficiency.
• Monitor performance and take corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure SOPs and working practices are followed by drivers and mates.
• Plan daily delivery routes using Paragon to meet customer requirements while minimising costs.
• Ensure loads comply with payload limits and drivers' hours regulations.
• Provide inductions and training for drivers and mates, maintain records and identify training needs.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are operated safely per legislation and policies.
• Produce transport performance reports and KPIs for internal and external use.
• Support warehouse management when required.

Skills

Transport planning

Paragon knowledge

Drivers hours regs

IT skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Pressure handling

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Paragon system

Job description

Job Specification: Load Planner

Department / Location: Transport, Halifax
Reports To: Transport Manager
People Responsibility: Drivers and Mates

Main Purpose

To manage day-to-day transport operations, including driver allocation, route planning and transport administration, ensuring customer service requirements are met efficiently and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Allocate work to drivers and mates to maximise vehicle utilisation and workforce efficiency, monitoring performance and taking corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure drivers and mates follow company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and established working practices.
• Plan daily delivery routes using Paragon, ensuring the appropriate vehicles are deployed to meet customer requirements while minimising costs.
• Ensure loads remain within vehicle payload limits and comply with drivers' hours regulations.
• Ensure drivers and mates receive appropriate inductions and training, maintaining accurate records and identifying further training needs.
• Ensure vehicles and associated equipment are operated safely and in accordance with current legislation and company policies.
• Produce transport performance reports and KPIs accurately and on time for internal and external use.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and fire safety regulations, including the correct use of company uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Complete order processing and prepare pick lists, despatch notes and load sheets in accordance with depot procedures.
• Provide support to warehouse management when required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery performance.
• Vehicle fill rates and payload utilisation.
• Delivery cost per drop.
• Driver compliance, including drivers' hours and vehicle walk-round checks.
• Completion of training and up-to-date induction records.

Key Working Relationships

Internal

• Transport Manager
• Warehouse Team
• Customer Service Team
• Fleet and Maintenance Team

External

• Customers
• Hauliers and third-party carriers
• Paragon system support

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in transport planning, ideally using Paragon.
• Working knowledge of drivers' hours regulations and operator licence requirements.
• Strong IT, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet daily delivery deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with drivers, warehouse teams and other departments.
• A proactive approach to improving transport efficiency and customer service