Transport Operations Planner

Job Purpose

As a Transport Planner, you will play a vital role in optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of road transport operations. You will be responsible for planning routes, scheduling shipments, and ensuring timely deliveries while considering factors such as cost, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic

• Conduct regular performance evaluations of transportation service providers.
• Track and monitor transportation metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Stay updated on industry developments, market trends, and customer requirements.
• Monitor and optimize transportation costs while identifying and proactively mitigating transportation risks.
• Analyze transportation data to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Prepare transportation performance reports and provide recommendations to management.

Operational

• Plan and coordinate road transportation activities to ensure efficient and timely deliveries.
• Develop transportation schedules and coordinate shipment planning.
• Optimize resource utilization to maximize operational efficiency.
• Prepare shipment documentation in accordance with operational and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate customs clearance activities with relevant stakeholders.
• Verify transportation suppliers invoices and services against agreed rates and contractual requirements.
• Resolve transportation-related operational issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with transportation regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
• Create, update, and manage transport jobs within the Transport Management System, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
• Process and update transport-related invoices in the system, ensuring billing accuracy and compliance with approved rates and billing requirements.

People

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless transport operations.
• Act as the primary liaison between customers, drivers, suppliers, customs clearance agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure high levels of service and customer satisfaction.

Minimum Experience

• Experience working within a logistics, transportation, freight forwarding, or supply chain organization.

Job Specific Skills

Functional Skills

• Knowledge of road transportation networks and transportation regulations within the GCC region.
• Understanding of transportation compliance requirements, relevant safety standards, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency in transport planning, shipment scheduling, documentation management, customs coordination, supplier invoice verification, and Transport Management Systems (TMS).

Behavioural Skills

• Excellent communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities and business requirements.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in planning, documentation, and system updates.
• Strong customer service orientation and stakeholder management skills.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelors degree or diploma equivalent qualification in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, or a related field.