Waste Transport Traffic Planner – Route Optimiser

Beauparc; Leeds; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda is seeking a Traffic Planner to join its busy transport and collections team in the UK. You will plan efficient daily routes for containers, lifts and collections, monitor driver hours, and support drivers and customers to maintain reliable service.

The role requires experience in traffic/transport planning, knowledge of driver hours and transport compliance, and strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in a traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination role.
• Experience within waste, logistics, haulage, transport or a similar operational environment.
• Good knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to prioritise, adapt and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with drivers, customers and internal teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving problems.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to delivering a reliable service.
• A positive, team-focused attitude with the ability to multitask in a busy operation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for container deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections across a wide geographical area.
• Monitor driver workloads and driver hours, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Communicate clearly with drivers throughout the day, providing instructions, updates and support.
• Carry out thorough end-of-shift debriefs with drivers.
• Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues, confirm bookings, provide ETAs and respond to queries.
• Maintain accurate job records and ensure all information is updated correctly on relevant systems.
• Respond quickly to operational changes, disruptions or service issues by adapting plans and reallocating resources.
• Support transport compliance and SHEQ by promoting safe working practices and following company procedures.
• Assist with tracking vehicle performance and utilisation across a large fleet of HGVs and LGVs.
• Help improve transport planning processes, route efficiency and customer service delivery.
• Support the wider transport and collections team with any reasonable tasks required.

Skills

Traffic planning

Transport coordination

Driver hours knowledge

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Customer focus

Multitasking

Education

CPC / NVQ / BTEC in transport / logistics

Job description

Panda is seeking a Traffic Planner to join its busy transport and collections team in the UK. You will plan efficient daily routes for containers, lifts and collections, monitor driver hours, and support drivers and customers to maintain reliable service.

The role requires experience in traffic/transport planning, knowledge of driver hours and transport compliance, and strong communication and problem-solving skills.