Senior Transport Planner

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Bonuses

Company vehicle or transport allowance

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Transport Planner to lead the logistics hub in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role focuses on designing and implementing transport strategies, optimizing routes, and managing a team of planners to support a large retail network.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and leadership capabilities, extensive experience with TMS, and a track record of delivering cost savings while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in transport planning or logistics management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing transport plans for large-scale operations, preferably in retail/FMCG in the Western Cape.
• In-depth knowledge of TMS, route optimization, and fleet management principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage comprehensive transport plans for efficient delivery to stores and distribution centers.
• Optimize routes, schedules and vehicle utilization to minimize transit times and costs.
• Oversee and develop a team of transport planners with training and performance management.
• Negotiate contracts and SLAs with 3PLs and carriers.
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations, safety and environmental standards.
• Utilize TMS and other software to plan and track shipments.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with warehouse, inventory and merchandising teams.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Team management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Communication skills

Fleet management

Education

Tertiary qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain

Tools

Transport Management System (TMS)

Route optimization software

Fleet management software

Job description

Our client, a leading retail distribution company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Transport Planner to join their logistics hub in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This senior role is crucial for designing and implementing efficient transportation strategies that support our extensive retail network across the region. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of transport planning, fleet management, and route optimization, coupled with strong analytical and leadership capabilities. You will be responsible for managing a team of transport planners, optimizing delivery schedules, negotiating with carriers, and ensuring compliance with all transport regulations. This is a significant opportunity to drive operational excellence and cost savings within a major player in the retail sector. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in our supply chain operations. The successful applicant will play a key role in shaping our transport strategies for the future within the vibrant Western Cape region. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding environment for a seasoned professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive transport plans for efficient and cost-effective delivery of goods to retail stores and distribution centers.
• Optimize delivery routes, schedules, and vehicle utilization to minimize transit times, fuel consumption, and operational costs.
• Oversee a team of transport planners, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and carriers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant transportation laws, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Utilize transport management systems (TMS) and other software tools to plan, track, and manage shipments effectively.
• Analyze transportation data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with warehouse operations, inventory management, and merchandising teams to align transport plans with business needs.
• Manage and resolve transport-related issues and disruptions proactively.
• Develop and manage the transport department budget, ensuring cost control and financial performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in transport planning, logistics management, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or senior role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful transport plans for large-scale operations, preferably within the retail or FMCG sectors in the Western Cape .
• In-depth knowledge of transport management systems (TMS), route optimization software, and fleet management principles.
• Strong understanding of South African transportation regulations, road safety standards, and current industry trends.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing business needs.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with the senior nature of the role.
• Opportunity to lead transport planning for a major retail distributor in Stellenbosch .
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.
• Employee discount programs on company products.
• Contribution to a sustainable logistics network.
• Company vehicle or transport allowance.