Transport Planning Manager - Walking Floor

Seras; Widnes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company based in Widnes is seeking a Transport Planning Manager to lead daily operations for the Walking Floor fleet. The role involves managing a team of planners, optimizing HGV schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should have proven leadership experience and a thorough understanding of logistics and UK geography. This position offers a dynamic work environment and various employee benefits including a health cash plan and pension scheme.

Benefits

Health cash plan & virtual GP access

Pension scheme & life assurance

Employee referral scheme

High street discounts

Personal development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Free eye tests

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing driver teams and operating at a comparable level of responsibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK geography, including HGV-access routes and restrictions.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with drivers and customers.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of transport planners and oversee the daily plan.
• Work closely with Procurement and act as the main point of contact for internal customers.
• Liaise with drivers and site operations to ensure smooth operations.

Skills

Proven experience managing driver teams

Comprehensive knowledge of UK geography

Exceptional communication skills

Calm and proactive

Passion for logistics and sustainability

Methodical approach with attention to detail

Hands-on experience in waste transport

Understanding of Working Time Directive

Experience with telematics systems

Budget management experience

Job description

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Transport Planning Manager - Walking Floor

Application Deadline: 16 January 2026

Department: Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Widnes

Description

We're looking for a dynamic Transport Planning Manager to take the lead in planning and coordinating daily operations for our Walking Floor fleet. You’ll ensure routes are safe, efficient, and cost‑effective while delivering exceptional service to customers and supporting our drivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning Team: Manage a team of transport planners and oversee the daily plan, optimising HGV schedules for Walking Floor movements.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with Procurement and act as the main point of contact for internal customers‑providing updates, resolving service issues, and managing workload forecasts.
• Operational Coordination: Liaise with drivers, site operations, customers, transport teams, and procurement to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor Live Operations: Respond promptly to incidents such as breakdowns or delays.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to transport regulations and safety standards.
• Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate records for performance monitoring and reporting.
• Supplier Management: Handle relationships with third‑party suppliers, including quotations and supporting new business opportunities (in partnership with the Head of Logistics for larger tenders).
• Fleet Optimisation: Work alongside the Transport Planning Manager – Skip Operations to maximise driver and vehicle utilisation.
• Escalation Support: Act as the escalation contact during agreed out‑of‑hours periods.

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 45 hours per week.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of professional drivers, ensuring smooth operations and high performance.
• Leverage expert UK geographical knowledge, including HGV‑access routes and restrictions, to optimise planning and delivery.
• Build strong relationships with drivers and customers through clear, confident communication.
• Stay calm under pressure, proactively managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Champion innovation and sustainability within logistics and transport operations.
• Apply a methodical, detail‑oriented approach to planning and problem‑solving.
• Drive operational excellence in waste transport, logistics planning, and Walking Floor operations.
• Ensure compliance with the Working Time Directive and EU Drivers' Hours regulations.
• Utilise telematics systems for efficient route planning and resource management.
• Manage budgets effectively, aligning operational decisions with financial targets.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience managing driver teams and operating at a comparable level of responsibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK geography, including HGV‑access routes and restrictions.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with drivers and customers.
• Calm, proactive, and highly organised, capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Genuine passion for logistics, sustainability, and the wider transport industry.
• Methodical and logical approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Hands‑on experience in waste transport, logistics planning, and Walking Floor operations.
• Sound understanding of the Working Time Directive and EU Drivers' Hours regulations.
• Practical knowledge of route planning using telematics systems.
• Experience working within and understanding budgetary requirements.

Why work for us?

We have a wide variety of additional benefits including but not exclusively:

• Health cash plan & virtual GP access
• Pension scheme & life assurance
• Employee referral scheme
• High street discounts
• Driver representatives & employee forum
• Personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Seras reserves the right to withdraw this advert following sufficient applications.

No Agencies please.