Transport Planning Manager: Lead Planning & Route Optimisation

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd.; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd. is seeking a Transport Planning Manager in Leeds. The role combines hands-on transport planning with leading and developing the planning team to improve fleet utilisation and profitability.

You will own day-to-day planning, optimise routes, manage workloads, and ensure compliance with drivers' hours and transport legislation while driving efficiency and service levels.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in transport planning 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.
• Hands-on approach, remaining actively involved at the planning desk while supervising others.
• Ability to take ownership of operational decisions and support the wider team.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of planning impact on costs and profitability.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Desire to progress into a management position with greater responsibility.

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.

Skills

Transport planning

Leadership

Route optimization

Communication

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Organisational skills

Team supervision

Job description

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd. is seeking a Transport Planning Manager in Leeds. The role combines hands-on transport planning with leading and developing the planning team to improve fleet utilisation and profitability.

You will own day-to-day planning, optimise routes, manage workloads, and ensure compliance with drivers' hours and transport legislation while driving efficiency and service levels.