Transport Planning & Despatch Lead

DS Smith Plc; Redditch; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme, life assurance and INP

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

DS Smith plc seeks a Transport Planning Manager at Redditch to lead end-to-end transport planning, despatch, warehouse and yard operations. You will drive OTIF performance, optimise vehicle utilisation, and manage third-party hauliers while developing a high-performing team in a safety-focused environment.

Collaborating with Customer Service, Production Planning and Operations, you will deliver cost-effective transport solutions that meet customer requirements and support DS Smith's growth

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within manufacturing, warehousing or logistics.
• Strong background in transport planning, despatch and warehouse operations.
• Experience leading and developing operational teams.
• Solid understanding of Health & Safety compliance and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing third-party transport providers and transport costs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Data-driven decision making with a proactive leadership style.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end transport planning, despatch, warehouse and yard operations, ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective deliveries.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company standards.
• Lead, coach and develop despatch and warehouse teams, managing performance and change.
• Drive continuous improvement across transport efficiency, service and cost reduction.
• Build strong relationships with Production, Planning, Customer Service and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Transport planning

Safety compliance

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Excel

Operational excellence

Cost management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

DS Smith plc seeks a Transport Planning Manager at Redditch to lead end-to-end transport planning, despatch, warehouse and yard operations. You will drive OTIF performance, optimise vehicle utilisation, and manage third-party hauliers while developing a high-performing team in a safety-focused environment.

Collaborating with Customer Service, Production Planning and Operations, you will deliver cost-effective transport solutions that meet customer requirements and support DS Smith's growth