Transport Planner

Criar Digital; Oldham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic logistics provider in Oldham is seeking an experienced Transport Planner to coordinate daily collections and optimize vehicle routes. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in transport planning, strong UK geographical knowledge, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a salary of £32k–£35k, a company pension scheme, and 29 days holiday including bank holidays.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

29 days holiday (including bank holidays)

Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a transport planning role within a pallet network environment.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads under pressure.
• Knowledge of driver hours and transport compliance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate daily transport routes for collections and deliveries.
• Liaise with drivers and customers to ensure timely movement of freight.
• Monitor live transport activity and adjust plans as necessary.

Skills

Transport planning experience

UK geography knowledge

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Experience with transport management systems

IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel

Education

CPC qualification (National or International)

Job description

Overview

DBR Group, acting as Recruitment Agency, are recruiting for a Transport Planner for our client, a very well-established logistics company in Oldham, Manchester. Our client is a dynamic and customer-focused logistics provider, specialising in palletised freight distribution through leading UK pallet networks. They pride themselves on delivering a reliable, efficient, and professional service to their customers, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Role Overview

As a Transport Planner, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and cost-effective planning of our pallet network operations. You will be responsible for coordinating daily collections and deliveries, optimising vehicle routes, and ensuring compliance with transport regulations and company standards. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong geographical knowledge, and the ability to make effective, time-sensitive decisions in a fast-paced logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate daily transport routes for collections and deliveries within the pallet network.
• Liaise with drivers, customers, and network partners to ensure timely movement of freight.
• Optimise vehicle utilisation and routing to achieve maximum efficiency and cost savings.
• Monitor live transport activity, adjusting plans as needed to accommodate changes or delays.
• Ensure compliance with drivers hours, working time directives, and all other relevant legislation.
• Work closely with the warehouse and operations teams to maintain smooth freight flow.
• Produce and maintain accurate transport documentation and reports.
• Deal with customer and network partner queries professionally and promptly.
• Support the Transport Manager in continuous improvement initiatives and performance reviews.

Essential – Key Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a transport planning role within a pallet network environment.
• Strong understanding of UK geography and road networks.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads under pressure.
• Experience using transport management systems (TMS) and pallet network portals.
• Knowledge of driver hours, tachograph, and transport compliance regulations.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and transport planning software.

Desirable

• CPC qualification (National or International).
• Experience with specific pallet networks (e.g., Palletline, Palletforce, Palletways, The Pallet Network, etc.).
• Understanding of fleet operations and vehicle maintenance scheduling.

Personal Attributes

• Calm and methodical under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail with a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Team player with a professional and approachable attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing operational demands.
• Committed to delivering a high standard of customer service.

Hours

Monday to Friday, 3 week rolling shift pattern:

• Week 1 05:30 – 14:30
• Week 2 09:00 – 17:30
• Week 3 12:00 – 20:30

The odd Saturday morning may pop up depending on business needs.

Salary & Benefits

• £32k – £35k DOE
• Company pension scheme
• 29 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Friendly, team-oriented working environment

If you are interested in the job role, please click Apply and upload your most up to date CV.