Transportation Planner

Transportation Planner

Southampton SO15 0HH

Full time, permanent.

Salary: £28,000-£32,000 DOE

SMS International Shore Operations provides operational support for cruise ship guest movements, including the coordination of transportation for embarkation and debarkation. The company works closely with cruise operations teams and external service providers to ensure passengers reach the right place at the right time.

SMS is looking for an organised and proactive Transportation Planner to join its Shore Operations team. The successful candidate will coordinate coach transportation for cruise passengers, working with internal teams to understand guest numbers, flight arrivals, timings and port requirements before arranging suitable transport with external providers.

This is a varied, office-based role where attention to detail, effective communication and practical problem-solving are essential. The successful candidate will build relationships with coach operators, manage changing schedules and help ensure transportation is planned efficiently and cost-effectively.

Transportation Planner, the role:

• Review transportation requirements from the Shore Operations team, including passenger numbers, flight arrivals, departure times, airports and ports.

• Plan and coordinate coach transportation for cruise embarkation and debarkation operations.

• Determine the number and type of coaches required, balancing passenger requirements, timings, operational needs and cost efficiency.

• Liaise with coach operators and transportation providers to check availability, obtain confirmations and arrange bookings.

• Provide suppliers with accurate passenger numbers, schedules, locations and operational instructions.

• Maintain accurate transportation schedules and update arrangements as passenger numbers, flight information and cruise schedules change.

• Identify potential issues in advance and work with colleagues and suppliers to find practical solutions.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with transportation providers across relevant UK destinations.

• Support forward planning for upcoming cruise calls and future operational periods.

• Maintain accurate records of bookings, confirmations and transportation requirements.

• Communicate operational updates and significant changes to the relevant teams and management.

• Contribute ideas to improve planning processes, supplier coordination and operational efficiency.

Transportation Planner, the person:

• Previous experience in transportation planning, scheduling, coach operations or a similar coordination role.

• Experience working with coach companies or transportation providers would be highly advantageous.

• Background in the cruise, travel, tourism or passenger transportation sector would be beneficial.

• Strong organisational and planning skills, with excellent attention to detail.

• Confident interpreting passenger numbers, timings and operational requirements and translating these into practical transportation plans.

• A methodical approach to managing bookings, schedules and changing requirements.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm when plans change at short notice.

• Clear and professional communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with internal teams and external suppliers.

• Good IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel, Outlook and other operational systems.

• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the importance of cost-effective transportation solutions.

• A collaborative approach, combined with the confidence to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.

• Flexibility to work overtime and on weekends.

• Full UK driving licence and access to a car, with flexibility to travel locally and regionally when required.

Transportation Planner, the benefits:

• 24 days of Annual Leave + Bank Holidays (or days in lieu)

• Competitive Salary

• Ongoing training and opportunities for career progression

• Long term permanent employment relationship

• Flexible working hours

• Participation in the success of the business

• Opportunity to work within a vibrant and multicultural team

• Supportive working environment

Pure Human Resources Limited works in partnership with SMS UK Limited in providing HR and Recruitment support. No applications from agencies please.