Transport Planner

JAMA LOGISTICS

Transport Planner

Location: Manchester Depot – Onsite
Salary: £30,000–£32,000 per annum + Bonus
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm

The Role

Jama Logistics is seeking an experienced, proactive and commercially minded Transport Planner to join our operations team at our Manchester depot.The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years’ experience in logistics planning within a fast-paced transport environment. They must be confident in the direct management, coordination and routing of drivers, while delivering excellent customer service and maintaining clear, timely communication with customers.This role combines daily freight planning, driver management, customer account support and operational problem-solving. The ideal candidate will be organised, commercially aware and capable of making effective decisions under pressure while maintaining high standards of service and operational efficiency.Essential Requirements1. Transport Planning Experience

• Minimum of two years’ experience in logistics or transport planning within a fast-paced operational environment.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate and manage daily freight movements efficiently.
• Experience managing changing priorities, operational pressures and time-critical deliveries.

2. Driver Management and Route Planning

• Essential experience in the direct day-to-day management, coordination and routing of drivers.
• Ability to allocate work effectively, optimise vehicle utilisation and manage delivery schedules.
• Confident communicating instructions to drivers and monitoring job progress.
• Ability to respond quickly to delays, vehicle issues, collection changes and other operational challenges.
• Understanding of driver hours, working time requirements and relevant tachograph compliance considerations.

3. Customer Service and Account Support

• Strong customer service skills, with experience communicating directly with customers.
• Ability to provide prompt, professional updates regarding collections, deliveries, delays and changes to planned movements.
• Confidence in managing customer expectations and resolving service issues.
• Ability to support the ongoing management of customer accounts alongside daily transport planning.
• A proactive approach to communication, ensuring customers receive timely and accurate information without unnecessary follow-up.

4. UK Road Network Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of the UK road network and major routes.
• Ability to plan practical and efficient routes, taking account of journey times, traffic conditions, collection and delivery windows, and vehicle restrictions where relevant.

5. Organisation and Communication

• Excellent planning, prioritisation and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to remain calm, focused and professional in a busy transport office.
• Good attention to detail and accurate recording of operational information.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.

Desirable Skills and ExperienceThe following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Experience in same-day haulage or time-critical transport operations.
• Understanding of vehicle operating costs, cost-per-mile calculations and transport profitability.
• Experience preparing spot quotations and assessing the commercial viability of individual jobs.
• Commercial awareness of vehicle utilisation, operating efficiency and transport margins.
• Experience using transport management systems, planning software or digital proof-of-delivery systems.

Personal AttributesThe successful candidate will be:

• Proactive: Anticipates issues and takes ownership of resolving them.
• Decisive: Makes sound operational decisions under pressure.
• Commercially aware: Understands the importance of balancing customer service with efficient and profitable transport operations.
• Customer-focused: Builds positive working relationships through reliable service and prompt communication.
• Accountable: Takes responsibility for planning decisions, driver coordination and customer updates.
• Adaptable: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change throughout the day.
• A team player: Works collaboratively with drivers, customers and colleagues to achieve operational objectives.

What Jama Logistics Offers

• Salary of £30,000–£32,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Additional bonus opportunity.
• Onsite role based at our Manchester depot.
• Working hours of 8:00am–5:00pm.
• The opportunity to play a key role in daily transport operations, customer service and the continued development of the business.

Summary of Candidate RequirementsThe priority is to recruit an experienced transport planner who can take ownership of daily freight planning, directly manage and route drivers, and maintain prompt, professional customer communication while supporting customer accounts. Commercial costing knowledge and same-day haulage experience are desirable additions, but the essential requirement is proven operational planning and driver management experience in a busy logistics environment.

Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person