Route Optimization Specialist - Fleet & Driver Support

Panda Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda is seeking a Traffic Planner to join our busy collections team in Leeds. You will plan efficient daily routes for containers, lifts and collections, monitor driver hours, and coordinate with drivers and customers to keep services running smoothly.

Ideal candidates have experience in traffic/transport planning, are highly organised, and able to adapt plans under pressure while maintaining safety and compliance across a large fleet.

Qualifications

• Experience in a traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination role.
• Experience within waste, logistics, haulage or a similar operational environment.
• Knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication with drivers, customers and internal teams.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections.
• Monitor driver workloads and hours, ensuring legal compliance.
• Communicate with drivers, provide instructions and updates.
• Carry out end-of-shift debriefs with drivers.
• Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues and bookings.
• Maintain accurate records and update systems.
• Adapt plans quickly to disruptions and reallocate resources.
• Support transport compliance and SHEQ by promoting safe practices.
• Track vehicle performance and utilisation across a large fleet.
• Help improve transport planning processes and customer service.

Skills

Traffic planning

Transport planning

Transport coordination

Driver hours

Organisation

Time management

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Customer-focused

Teamwork

Education

Transport/logistics qualification (CPC/NVQ/BTEC)

Job description

Panda is seeking a Traffic Planner to join our busy collections team in Leeds. You will plan efficient daily routes for containers, lifts and collections, monitor driver hours, and coordinate with drivers and customers to keep services running smoothly.

Ideal candidates have experience in traffic/transport planning, are highly organised, and able to adapt plans under pressure while maintaining safety and compliance across a large fleet.