Transport Coordinator - (UB.TR.104)

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

Benefits offered by this job

M&S discount

Healthcare cash plan discounts

Pension scheme

Life assurance (4x salary)

Wellbeing support

Training schemes

Cycle to work

Job summary

Gist is recruiting a full-time Transport Coordinator for Thatcham on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. You’ll coordinate night transport, dispatch drivers and ensure deliveries run safely and on schedule during a busy peak period.

You’ll work with the Transport Shift Manager to keep the operation running smoothly, handle driver queries, and maintain compliance across transport documentation and payroll tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience in transport, logistics or distribution operations.
• Experience in a Transport Coordinator/Administrator/Planner role.
• Confident in communicating with drivers and allocating work.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate night transport operations to dispatch vehicles safely and on time.
• Be the first point of contact for drivers and resolve issues promptly.
• Brief and debrief drivers with accurate operational information.
• Monitor live routes and support service recovery during delays.
• Support the Shift Manager with day-to-day transport operations.
• Manage driver allocation and resources across the shift.
• Assist with return-to-work conversations and driver supervision.
• Maintain compliance with Operator Licence requirements and transport documentation.
• Complete payroll/admin tasks accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with Transport, Warehouse and Planning teams.

Skills

Transport coordination

Driver liaison

Live transport monitoring

Operational decision making

Route knowledge

Education

Experience in transport/logistics operations

Tools

Kronos

Microsoft Office

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.

Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.