Transport Coordinator

Gist; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount

Healthcare cash plan discounts

Pension with life cover (up to 4x)

App perks for restaurants and retail

Job summary

Gist is seeking a Transport Coordinator in Thatcham for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role focuses on coordinating night transport, supporting the Shift Manager, and ensuring safe, timely deliveries during a busy peak season.

Ideal candidates will have transport/logistics experience, strong organisation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with drivers. 40.25 hours per week, days on a 4-on/4-off pattern.

Qualifications

• Experience in transport, logistics or distribution operations.
• Ability to coordinate drivers and plan routes.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate night transport operations ensuring safe, on-time dispatch.
• Be first point of contact for drivers; provide support and escalate as needed.
• Brief/debrief drivers; communicate operational information accurately.
• Monitor live routes; respond to delays and support service recovery.
• Support the Shift Manager with day-to-day transport operations.
• Manage driver allocation and supervise driver activities.
• Maintain compliance and transport documentation; payroll tasks.

Skills

Transport operation experience

Driver coordination

Passenger problem solving

Organisation and prioritisation

IT proficiency (Kronos or similar)

Compliance knowledge (Operator Licence

Job description

Job Title Transport Coordinator Location Thatcham, RG19 4BQ GB (Main)
Job Description

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a full-time, 12 Month Fixed Term Transport Coordinator to join our Thatcham team at an exciting time as we enter the Golden Quarter and prepare for the busy Christmas peak. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience working within a fast-paced FMCG transport operation who thrives in a dynamic, high-volume environment.

This is far more than a transport administration role. You'll be at the heart of the operation, coordinating drivers, managing live transport activity, and ensuring deliveries run safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Working alongside the Transport Shift Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting the transport operation, making operational decisions, and keeping the transport office running smoothly throughout the shift.

Role details:

Salary: Up to £31,798 per annum

Working Pattern: Days - 4 on 4 off (12 Month FTC)

Working Hours: 40.25 hours per week | 6:00 and 18:00

Location: Gist Ltd, Enterprise Way, Thatcham, RG19 4BQ

What you'll be doing

Your key accountabilities will include:

• Coordinating the night transport operation to ensure vehicles and drivers are dispatched safely, efficiently and on time.
• Acting as the first point of contact for drivers, providing support, resolving issues and escalating where appropriate.
• Briefing and debriefing drivers, ensuring all relevant operational information is communicated accurately.
• Monitoring live routes throughout the shift, responding to delays and supporting service recovery where required.
• Supporting the Shift Manager with the day-to-day running of the transport operation.
• Managing driver allocation and helping ensure resources are used effectively throughout the shift.
• Supporting return-to-work conversations and day-to-day driver supervision.
• Maintaining legal compliance, including Operator Licence requirements and transport documentation.
• Completing payroll administration, Kronos exceptions, holiday administration and other transport office tasks accurately and on time.
• Working closely with colleagues across Transport, Warehouse and Planning to ensure a seamless operation.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced transport environment and can confidently balance operational coordination with supporting people.

Your skills and experience will include:

• Experience working within a transport, logistics or distribution operation
• Previous experience in a Transport Coordinator, Transport Administrator, Transport Planner or similar role
• The confidence to communicate with drivers, allocate work and make operational decisions
• Ideally some supervisory or team leadership experience, including supporting driver performance or conducting return-to-work conversations
• Excellent organisation skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks in a busy environment
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using transport or workforce management systems such as Kronos
• Knowledge of transport compliance and Operator Licence requirements would be advantageous

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.