Transport Planning Manager

TLP; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plan

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Ongoing training and careerDevelopment

28 days holiday

Job summary

TLP in Leeds seeks an experienced Transport Planning Manager to lead the day-to-day planning desk for general haulage. You will oversee the planning operation, drive efficiency, and take ownership of routing, workload coordination and team leadership.

The role combines hands-on planning with strategic supervision, aiming to improve profitability and service levels. Salary up to £50,000 (DOE) with a performance bonus, and standard benefits. This is a full-time on-site position in LS19, Leeds.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in transport planning at senior level.
• Strong knowledge of transport operations and fleet utilisation.
• Experience with palletised distribution or general haulage.
• Hands-on approach with supervisory responsibilities.
• Commercial awareness affecting costs and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day transport planning operations while remaining hands-on.
• Lead, supervise and support the planning team and coordinate workloads.
• Plan and optimise vehicle routes, deliveries and collections to maximise fleet utilisation.
• Manage changing priorities, delays and operational issues efficiently.
• Ensure drivers and resources are allocated effectively to meet customer needs.
• Monitor performance, costs and profitability, identifying improvement opportunities.
• Maintain clear communication with drivers, customers and other departments.
• Ensure compliance with drivers' hours and transport regulations.
• Encourage accountability and continuous improvement within the team.

Skills

Experience in transport planning

Route planning and fleet utilisation

Hands-on planning desk leadership

Commercial awareness

Strong communication and problem‑solv​

Job description

Transport Planning Manager - General Haulage

Full-time | Location: LS19, Leeds

Position: Transport Planning Manager — Location: Leeds — Salary: Up to £50,000 (depending on experience) + Performance Bonus

About the role

Our client is looking for an experienced Transport Planning Manager / Senior Transport Planner. This is a hands‑on position, combining day‑to‑day transport planning with leading, supervising and supporting the wider planning team.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the planning operation, helping to coordinate workloads, make operational decisions and drive efficiency, fleet utilisation and profitability. The role would suit someone who enjoys being actively involved in the planning desk while taking on greater responsibility for team leadership and performance.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day transport planning operation, remaining hands‑on with planning activities.
• Lead, supervise and support the planning team, coordinating workloads and maintaining high standards.
• Plan and optimise vehicle routes, deliveries and collections to maximise fleet utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Manage changing priorities, delays and operational issues, ensuring problems are resolved efficiently.
• Ensure vehicles, drivers and resources are allocated effectively to meet customer requirements.
• Monitor transport performance, productivity and operating costs, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Maintain effective communication with drivers, customers, colleagues and other departments.
• Ensure compliance with drivers' hours, working time regulations and relevant transport legislation.
• Encourage accountability, consistency and continuous improvement across the planning team.

Requirements

• Proven experience in transport planning, ideally at Senior Transport Planner or Planning Supervisor level.
• Strong knowledge of transport operations, route planning and fleet utilisation.
• Experience within palletised distribution, pallet networks or general haulage
• A hands‑on approach, with the ability to remain actively involved in the planning desk while supervising others.
• The confidence to take ownership of operational decisions and support the wider team.
• Commercial awareness, with an understanding of the impact of planning decisions on costs and profitability.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• A desire to progress into a management position and take on greater responsibility for the planning operation.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £40,000.00 - £50,000.00 (DOE)
• Performance bonus (based on profitability and individual merit)
• Hours: Mon-Fri | 9-hour shifts scheduled between 06:00 and 18:00.
• One in three weekend cover
• 28 days holiday
• Healthcare plan (money towards dental, optical etc.)
• Company pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities