Transport Planner / Operator - Days

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions recruiting a Transport Operator/Planner for their Trafford Park depot in Manchester. The role involves managing drivers, coordinating with ports, and using TOPS to plan schedules, with a focus on on-time deliveries across the UK.

The successful candidate will have proven experience in container transport, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. 4 on, 4 off day shifts apply, with a 6am–6pm or 7am–7pm pattern.

Qualifications

• Experience as Transport Operator or Planner is essential.
• Strong understanding of UK geography and container transport operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems in real time.
• Organised and detail-oriented with a flexible attitude.
• Willing to work 4 on, 4 off day shifts (06:00–18:00 / 07:00–19:00).

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple drivers daily across 21 vehicles, 6 subcontractors and 85 drivers.
• Liaise with ports and book delivery slots.
• Use TOPS to track driver schedules.
• Monitor ETAs and reroute jobs as needed.
• Ensure POD matching.
• Communicate updates or delays to customers.
• Ensure timely deliveries across the UK.

Skills

Driver management

Operations planning

UK geography knowledge

Customer communication

Problem solving

Organisation

Tools

TOPS system

Job description

Job Title: Transport Operator / Planner

Location: Manchester (Trafford Park)

Job Type: Permanent

Shift: 4 on 4 off, Permanent Day Shift - 6am to 6pm & 7am to 7pm

Salary: circa GBP38,000 negotiable depending on experience

Interviewing: ASAP

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are proud to be working in partnership with a well-established and rapidly growing leader in the logistics industry to recruit a Transport Operator for their busy depot based in Trafford Park, Manchester.

If you're experienced in container transport and thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Managing multiple drivers on a daily basis; 21 vehicles, 6 subcontractors and a total of 85 drivers
• Liaising with ports and booking delivery slots
• Using TOPS (Transport Operations Planning System) to track driver schedules
• Monitoring ETAs and rerouting jobs as needed
• Ensuring accurate POD (proof of delivery) matching
• Communicating clearly with customers about updates or delays
• Working proactively to ensure smooth, timely deliveries across the UK

What We're Looking For:

• Previous experience as a Transport Operator or Planner - essential
• Strong understanding of UK geography and container transport operations
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and problem-solve in real time
• Organised and detail-oriented with a flexible attitude
• Comfortable working on a 4 on, 4 off shift pattern. Hours are 06.00 - 18.00 & 07.00 - 19.00 (all fixed day shifts)

If you're ready to take on a new challenge with a company that invests in its people and rewards hard work, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date is 29th October 2026