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 Leeds
A thriving city in West Yorkshire, Leeds has a long history going back to the Middle Ages, when it was a market town in a highly agricultural region. Textiles including wool and broadcloth were regularly traded and during the late 1700s, exports were becoming increasingly important to the city's economy.
The building of various railways and canals helped the city grow and by the mid 1800s it was well connected with the rest of the country.
During the Industrial Revolution, Leeds was responsible for a variety of innovations and it was home to a number of factories and mills. Meanwhile, agriculture continued to flourish in the region as well.
Since the 19th century, the city has changed significantly. Manufacturing has declined and the textiles industry has all but disappeared. These days, Leeds is known for its corporate and legal sectors, as well as a number of retail, luxury goods, media and finance companies - making it a great choice for those seeking Transport Planning Manager roles.
Various big-name businesses are based in Leeds, including Asda, Carlsberg UK, Optare and Capita. Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd and regional television stations like the BBC and ITV also call the city home, as well as some small commercial production companies.
The Bank of England's only UK subsidiary office is located in Leeds, while other financial institutions include Leeds Building Society and Yorkshire Bank. An array of call centres can also be found in the city.
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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