Transport Planning Manager jobs
Looking after a fleet of vehicles has never been a simple task, and it could be said that with the advent of technologies to simplify logistics and keep a second by second track of the vehicles, all that has happened is that new complexity has been loaded into the system. In other words, the transport planning manager is still an essential role, which is highly valued in logistics.
There are two main strands to the transport planning manager’s job: ensuring consignments are delivered on time and making the whole process as efficient as possible. Nowadays, sophisticated transport offices are kept informed of the complete status of every vehicle, and planning can take place while they are on the road, with drivers being informed of new destinations and alerted to traffic problems as they go. They will also need to make sure spaces on ferries are booked; it is keeping on top of details like this that make a successful transport planning manager.
The planning manager will also have close contact with the customers, both to inform them of the status of their deliveries and to arrange backhaul availability, for example. He or she will also need to make sure drivers are available and organise backup if drivers become unavailable through illness; likewise, should a breakdown occur, the planning manager will have to be quick thinking enough to arrange the best way to get the load delivered.
The skills required
The transport planning manager is first a planner and second a communicator, and the two roles need to work in harmony with each other. A calm person who thinks in four dimensions will be suited to the job; a day might start out looking perfectly planned out but look like a disaster movie by lunchtime due to events out of his or her control. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated an ability to cope with the stresses of such a chain of events.
The job will be extremely reliant on the company’s IT infrastructure, so computer literacy will be an absolute must for this role too.
Transport Planning Manager Jobs in Crawley
Located between Brighton and the capital, Crawley is a West Sussex town about 28 miles south of London Charing Cross. It's a great spot for those seeking Transport Planning Manager vacancies and the town also serves as a commuter hub.
With a history dating back to the Stone Age, Crawley was an important location during the Roman Period, serving as a centre for ironworking and then becoming a market town during the 13th century.
During the Victorian era, the railway came to Crawley. This helped the region to grow and engineering and manufacturing became more prominent - something that continues today.
Indeed, just some of the businesses with factories or other facilities in Crawley include BOC Edwards, Unilever, APV Vent Axia and Thales, a manufacturer of flight simulators.
Crawley is a centre for finance, home to a number of banking, insurance and credit companies such as Deloitte & Touche and B & CE Benefit Schemes. It's also an important location for the transport and communication industry - such as First Choice Holidays, William Reed Group and Metrobus.
What's more, Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest airports in the UK, is situated on the edge of town. Not only does it see more than 30 million passengers pass through its gates every year, it is also a major cargo handler, dealing with freight shipments from around the world.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
Cast UK’s recruitment consultants work with a host of employers around the UK to ensure positions are filled by the best people, and many of them approach us to create a shortlist rather than advertising jobs nationally or locally. We have specialists for every UK region and all the major cities, so wherever you are, we could have a position for you.
Whether you're moving house, looking to change employer or are simply seeking a change in career, get in touch with Cast UK. Our own staff are all source from within procurement, logistics and supply chain, and these are the backgrounds of our founder members, so we fully understand the needs of the industry.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Transport Planning Manager for your business or find you a job as a Transport Planning Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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