Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning operations, manage teams, and develop forecasting systems for vehicle movements.
- Company: Join ArrowXL, a leader in home delivery logistics, committed to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 34 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and discounts on retail and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, influence strategic decisions, and grow your career in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Advanced planning experience, Descartes skills, and strong people management abilities are essential.
- Other info: This national role includes travel and offers opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This role will be known internally as "Planning Operations Manager". Our Support Functions are the foundations of our operations. They support our colleagues and crews in delivering excellence for all ArrowXL customers. Here at ArrowXL, our National Planning Team are responsible for planning and resourcing all vehicle movements (Final Mile Home Delivery and Primary Trunking). They are the strategic point of call for network and new business modelling, fleet utilisation and planning performance. They directly influence vehicle mix, resource levels and capacity. We are now seeking a Planning Operations Manager to develop our planning proposition, technical solutions and the team.
About the role
Working with ArrowXL’s Operational and Commercial leadership Teams and reporting into the Central Operations General Manager, you’ll be an integral part of the Senior Management Team. Advanced Planning experience along with Descartes skills (ideally LNOS and WinRoute) are a must for anyone applying for this role. Descartes implementation experience will be an advantage. Line management experience is essential and you’ll be a great communicator. This is a national role and will include travel and some overnight stays.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Developing and implementing ArrowXL’s forecasting & planning systems
- Managing Planning Team members either directly or indirectly
- Providing technical coaching and training
- Developing and enhancing reporting solutions
- Assisting with day-to-day primary and secondary planning
- Strategic modelling and development of the network
About you
This is a role which will suit a dynamic and progressive individual with several years’ experience working within a fast-paced, pressurised environment and be confident making decisions at a senior level.
- Experienced in Route Planning & Scheduling
- Final mile, general haulage, trunking & returns (in house or 3PL) knowledge
- Excellent geographic knowledge of the UK
- A good knowledge of U.K. and E.U. driving regulations for LCV & LGV, Working Time Directive, Operator Licencing, etc.
- Detailed experience of Transport Management and Planning systems, specifically Descartes LNOS
- Advanced Excel skills
- People management and development
- Experience of working with senior teams and managers
- A CPC qualification would be beneficial
Working Hours
40 hours per week mainly Monday to Friday dayshift; however, some weekend and early/late cover will be required.
Benefits and Rewards
In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll receive many excellent additional benefits including:
- Hybrid Working Options – opportunity to work from both the office and from the comfort of your own home
- Annual Leave – 34 days entitlement (including statutory bank holidays) which increases with service
- Holiday Buy Scheme – Buy up to 5 additional days
- Enhanced Pension Plan options – Company enhanced contributions of up to a 6% match
- Private Medical Insurance – via AXA
- Life Insurance – Company funded 2x basic salary life cover from day one
- Medicash – An easy-to-use health insurance package that provides cashback towards your everyday healthcare bills
- Employee Assistance Programme – Free 24/7 confidential wellbeing support
- Progression and Development Opportunities – Department specific technical training and Internal Management Development Academies
- Staff Discount at www.very.co.uk (25% discount on designer branded clothing, footwear and home accessories with 15% off furniture, leisure and electrical items)
- Discounted Gym Membership – Up to 25% discount across 3700 nationally located gyms, health clubs, leisure Centres, bootcamps and fitness studios
- Cycle to work scheme – In partnership with Evans cycles the ArrowXL C2W scheme offers great benefits and discounts
- Long service awards – We go out of our way to recognise and reward our colleague commitment with our long service awards programme
- Employee of the month – Winners receive £25 voucher, certificate and Hall of fame recognition
- CEO Award of the month – Winners receive £100 voucher, certificate and Hall of fame recognition
- Departmental Incentives – Year-round departmental competitions, seasonal incentives and fantastic gifts
- Retail Discounts – Huge discount savings in supermarkets (Asda, Tesco, Morrison’s and Sainsburys), Fashion discounts with (Adidas, Asos, H&M, Boohoo, JD and Matalan) and Technology discounts with (Apple, Argos, Currys/PC World and John Lewis), plus many more savings
Transport Planning Manager employer: ArrowXL
Contact Detail:
ArrowXL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Descartes systems, especially LNOS and WinRoute. If you can demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during discussions, it will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of UK and EU driving regulations, as well as the Working Time Directive. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will highlight your expertise in transport management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your previous line management experience and how you've developed teams. This will be crucial in showcasing your leadership skills and ability to coach others effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the transport planning field, especially those who have worked with ArrowXL or similar companies. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in transport planning and management. Emphasise your skills with Descartes systems, route planning, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're the perfect fit for the Planning Operations Manager role. Mention your advanced planning experience and how it aligns with ArrowXL's goals. Be sure to showcase your communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a CPC qualification or any other relevant certifications, make sure to mention them prominently. This will demonstrate your commitment to the industry and enhance your application.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Regulations: Include your understanding of UK and EU driving regulations, as well as your knowledge of the Working Time Directive and Operator Licensing. This will show that you are well-versed in the legal aspects of transport management.
How to prepare for a job interview at ArrowXL
✨Showcase Your Planning Experience
Make sure to highlight your advanced planning experience during the interview. Discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed vehicle movements or implemented planning systems, as this role heavily relies on such expertise.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with Descartes software, particularly LNOS and WinRoute. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how they can enhance planning performance at ArrowXL.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a Planning Operations Manager, strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your management style and how you coach team members.
✨Understand the Industry Regulations
Brush up on UK and EU driving regulations, including the Working Time Directive and Operator Licensing. Being knowledgeable about these regulations will demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety in transport planning.
