Transport Planner

Univar Solutions; Widnes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Univar Solutions is hiring a Transport Planner in Widnes to join the UK Transport Planning team. You will use the Transport Management System (TMS) to plan transport for all UK sites, optimise routes, and help the business meet KPI and budget targets.

The role offers exposure to all aspects of UK transport planning and a focus on safety and cost efficiency. We value self-motivation, strong communication, attention to detail and a proactive approach to learning.

Responsibilities

• Review the systematic plan created in the TMS and validate against criteria to minimise spend.
• Pre‑plan volume and optimise routes to improve vehicle utilisation and reduce carrier costs.
• Control costs, record carrier expenditure, and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage freight settlement: invoices, costs, and approve differences.
• Support systematic improvements to increase transport planning effectiveness.
• Arrange haulage and manage haulers for operational sites.
• Drive adoption of the TMS across the UK in a cost-efficient, logical manner.

Job description

A Place Where People Matter

Start your career journey with Univar Solutions! Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you.

Duties

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Transport Planner to join the Transport Planning team at Widnes.

Reporting to the UK Transport Planning Manager and operating in a competitive market, you will be responsible for planning UK volume efficiently and cost effectively to meet KPI and budgetary targets.

You will achieve this by using the Transport Management System (TMS) to plan transport for all our operational sites across the UK.

The role presents an opportunity to learn all aspects of planning across the UK portfolio.

Key Responsibilities And Tasks

• Review systematic plan created in TMS – validate the planning against specified criteria and make changes and improvements where necessary to minimise spend.
• Pre‑plan volume where appropriate – review the order screens and plan ahead on specific relevant orders. Pull forward orders that could be released in advance of delivery day to improve vehicle utilisation and realign orders in case of full routes to save on carrier costs.
• Closely control and monitor costs and record common carrier expenditure to adhere to cost budgets. Actively strive to reduce costs and implement cost saving initiatives.
• Responsible for freight settlement – manage invoices, validate costs and approve or decline differences.
• Support and help implement systematic improvements to further increase the effectiveness of the transport planning.
• Arrange haulage and manage assigned haulers relevant to the operational sites.
• Actively support and play a key role in adopting the TMS system across the UK in the most cost efficient and logical manner.

The role is pivotal around Customer Service and Operating Safely in line with one of our key values Serious about Safety.

We Are Looking For

Transport Experience Is Preferred But Not Essential.

It is essential that you are self‑motivated, willing to learn, have excellent communication skills, attention to detail and be flexible with work times.

You will have high standards in all that you do and possess excellent customer service skills.

About Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives – from life‑saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market‑aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe!

We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges and respects the unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise of every employee. Through our dedicated Employee Resource Networks, we provide the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry while making a difference in our communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.