Planning & Service Manager (Bulk)

Tarmac Trading Limited; Earl Sterndale; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics firm is seeking a strategic leader to manage their Planning & Order Taking team. This position requires proven experience in logistics planning, strong problem-solving skills, and a customer-first attitude. The ideal candidate will implement best practices, optimize delivery performance, and ensure exceptional customer service. The role offers a bonus scheme, enhanced holiday entitlement, and various development opportunities.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on retailers and holidays

Employee Assistance helpline

Employee Communities access

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a centralised logistics planning and order taking team.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement and a track record of successful change implementation.
• Deep understanding of logistics planning systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Leading the creation of a centralised planning and order taking function.
• Defining and implementing logistics best practices.
• Optimising routing, scheduling, and load planning.
• Ensuring robust order-taking processes.
• Collaborating with internal teams to align transport plans.
• Managing performance of transport providers.
• Driving delivery KPIs such as OTIF (On Time In Full).
• Resolving service issues to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership in logistics planning

Process optimization

Customer service focus

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Business degree or equivalent

Transport Certificate of Professional Competence

Chartered Membership of Institute of Logistics & Transport

Tools

Logistics planning tools

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about logistics and ready to lead a high-impact function at the heart of our operations? We're looking for a proactive and strategic leader to shape the future of our Planning & Order Taking team within the Cement & Packed Products business. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, streamline processes, and deliver outstanding customer experiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love solving complex challenges, this role offers the perfect platform to make a real difference.

Responsibilities

• Leading the creation of a centralised planning and order taking function
• Defining and implementing logistics best practices across process, technology and automation
• Optimising routing, scheduling and load planning to improve delivery performance and reduce costs
• Ensuring robust order-taking processes that eliminate load contamination risks
• Collaborating with internal teams to align transport plans with supply chain needs
• Managing performance of transport providers, including own-fleet and third-party carriers
• Driving delivery KPIs such as OTIF (On Time In Full)
• Resolving service issues and implementing solutions to maintain customer satisfaction
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives to boost reliability and efficiency
• Building strong relationships with hauliers, logistics partners and customers
• Creating a seamless and positive experience for customers placing orders
• Managing all communications into the Logistics Control Tower within agreed SLAs
• Working cross-functionally to ensure alignment on goals and priorities
• A pragmatic and resilient mindset with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Strong knowledge of relevant road legislation
• Clear and confident communication skills
• A passion for continuous improvement and delivering exceptional customer service
• High standards of numeracy and literacy
• Experience with logistics planning tools and systems
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• A customer-first attitude with a focus on adding value
• Strong collaboration and influencing capabilities
• A commitment to team development and leadership

Your Functional Strengths

• Proven experience leading a centralised logistics planning and order taking team
• Familiarity with continuous improvement and a track record of successful change implementation
• Deep understanding of logistics planning systems and processes

Desirable Qualifications

• Business degree level qualification or equivalent
• Transport Certificate of Professional Competence
• Chartered Membership of Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport

Benefits and Development

• 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 join our Employee Communities (employee networks) including nine communities: REACH (Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause)
• Training and development opportunities