Hours: 40 per week, Monday–Friday
Core Hours: 08:00–17:00 (flexibility required to support occasional morning and afternoon shift cover)

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Transport Planning Manager to lead our Portbury Transport Planning team. In this key operational role, you will ensure the delivery of achievable, cost‑effective routes while supporting our commitment to exceptional service standards.

Reporting to the Distribution Operations Manager, you will oversee the day‑to‑day planning and execution of the national delivery schedule. You’ll act as the escalation point for complex decisions and provide vital coordination between Transport Managers, the Distribution Projects & Compliance Manager, and other key departments.

Safety, compliance, and service excellence sit at the heart of this position, ensuring our customers receive their deliveries on time and as promised.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of two Transport Planners, responsible for morning and evening planning shifts.
• Deliver all aspects of people management, including 1:1s, appraisals, constructive feedback, performance reviews, and overall wellbeing support.

Operational Planning

• Manage daily delivery route planning to ensure efficiency, compliance, and cost control.
• Respond quickly and effectively to operational changes or disruptions.
• Ensure all planning adheres to legal requirements and internal standards.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Act as the main point of contact between transport, warehouse, and customer service teams.
• Address queries promptly, ensure SLA compliance, and keep customers informed of delivery progress.

This role is ideal for someone confident in making decisions, passionate about operational excellence, and skilled at working under pressure while maintaining accuracy and focus.

• Experience in transport planning, logistics operations, or a similar managerial role.
• CPC in Road Transport Operations (Managers)
• Confident using dynamic Routing Software Packages
• Experience of using tracking and telematics application
• Knowledge of UK road networks, route optimisation and transport operating systems.
• Understanding of compliance requirements including vehicle safety, driver hours regulations and legal planning standards.
• Experience leading or supervising a small team.
• IT proficient, particularly with planning or fleet management systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours to support operational needs.

• Desirable but not essential:
  • Previous experience in multi‑drop food or FMCG delivery operations.
  • Experience using SAP would be an advantage but is not essential. 

Key Competencies

• Strong Leadership Skills
  Proven ability to coach, motivate and develop a team, with experience managing performance and wellbeing.

• Operational Planning Expertise
  Skilled in route planning, logistics scheduling and day‑to‑day operational problem‑solving.

• Decision‑Making Under Pressure
  Confident making timely, informed decisions and handling escalation in a fast‑paced environment.

• Excellent Communication
  Able to clearly communicate with planners, drivers, warehouse teams, customer service teams & senior management to resolve issues and maintain service performance.

• Analytical and Detail‑Focused
  Able to interpret data, assess risk, and optimise routes for efficiency, compliance and cost control.

• Adaptability & Initiative
  Proactive in identifying improvements and responding swiftly to unexpected changes or challenges.

• Customer‑Centric Mindset
  Committed to maintaining high service levels and ensuring customers are kept informed.

• Strong Understanding of Transport Compliance
  Working knowledge of relevant legislation such as driver hours, WTD and transport safety standards.