Senior Transport Planner in Bolsover

Founded in 2017, ASK4 Couriers has grown from a small, local courier service into a trusted logistics company serving businesses across the UK. Based in Chesterfield in Derbyshire, we specialise in general haulage, curtain‑side deliveries, and same‑day freight, combining reliability with personal service. We pride ourselves on supporting our team as much as our customers. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and we value professionalism, commitment, and a strong work ethic. By joining ASK4 Couriers, you’ll be part of a friendly, growing team, with opportunities for training, development, and long‑term career growth.

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and results‑driven individual with excellent knowledge of how the courier and logistics sector operates, to join our team as Senior Transport Planner. The successful candidate will be joining our team of 4 Transport Planners as the most senior member and will report into the Operations Manager. As a fast‑growing courier and logistics company, we operate our own dedicated fleet while also utilising a network of sub‑contractors to meet nationwide demand. You will be responsible for maximising fleet efficiency, ensuring strict compliance with transport regulations, and driving profitability across both owned and sub‑contracted operations.

The role is Monday – Friday, all 5 days onsite, 45 hours per week which includes a 30‑minute break which will be unpaid. However, due to the nature of logistics and the needs of the customer, start and finish times may vary, therefore you will be expected to work between the operational times of 6am and 7pm. We often have overtime available, which is paid at the basic hourly rate.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Route Planning: Utilise Delivery Master planning tool to build and optimise cost‑effective, time‑critical collection and delivery routes.
• Blended Fleet Management: Effectively allocate jobs across our internal driving team and manage our approved sub‑contractor network to ensure flawless service delivery.
• Resource Optimisation: Maintain high levels of vehicle utilisation, minimise empty running, and achieve daily revenue targets for owned fleet resources.
• Real‑Time Monitoring: Oversee the Delivery Master planning tool to monitor driver progress, handle exceptions, and proactively communicate ETAs to customers.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all plans and operations adhere to WTD, EU drivers' hours, and road transport legislation.
• Workflow Management: Oversee end‑to‑end courier operations, from parcel intake to final‑mile delivery.
• Bottleneck Resolution: Actively identify and solve logistical blockers, such as driver shortages or system failures, often requiring a “hands‑on” approach.
• Performance Metrics (KPIs): Track and improve key metrics like on‑time delivery rates, parcel damage rates, and driver productivity.
• Fleet Maintenance: Ensure vehicles are compliant, maintained, and safe (MOTs, inspections, and insurance).
• Fuel & Cost Management: Monitor fuel consumption and find ways to reduce operating costs.
• Hiring & Training: Support the Operations Manager and HR with recruitment, onboarding, and training of transport staff and drivers.
• Performance Leadership: Support the Operations Manager with setting KPIs for the team, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a safe, motivated team culture.
• Management & Leadership: Be the most senior person within the Transport Planning team, deputising for the Operations Manager when required.
• Driver Compliance: Ensure contractors or company drivers comply with legal requirements and safety protocols.
• Customer Service Standards: Enforce high service standards and directly address complex customer complaints.
• SLA Adherence: Monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for B2B clients to ensure compliance.
• Audit Procedures: Conduct regular audits of operations and procedures.
• Health & Safety: Ensure a safe, secure, and compliant work environment, including yard safety and vehicle safety protocols.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain compliance with local transport regulations, including operator licenses (CPC) where necessary.
• Risk Management: Develop contingency plans for issues like vehicle accidents, severe weather, or system outages.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the operations team, drivers, and sub‑contractors to resolve any logistical issues and exceed client SLAs.
• Tendering: Write tenders by blending operational expertise with commercial strategy to win new contracts, acting as the bridge between sales and operations, and translating client demands into precise, cost‑effective, and compliant transport models.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively look for better ways to operate, such as implementing new software, improving communication processes to increase productivity, and training staff on negotiating better profit margins on each job.
• Reporting: Prepare and deliver reports to the Operations Manager on operational performance and KPIs.

Qualifications:

• 3 years experience within a similar role (Senior Transport Planner/Transport Planner).
• 3 years experience within a SME courier business.
• Experience of using an online planning tool (Deliver Master would be the ideal).
• Experience of managing, leading and developing a team.
• Experience in freight forwarding.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with customers and team members.
• The personality that allows you to try, fail, but learn from your mistakes.
• A "thick skin" that enables you to deal with confrontation, receive feedback, and deal with difficult situations in a business‑like manner without taking it personally.
• Flexibility in hours to help lead the team from the front and get the job done.
• Full clean Driving Licence.
• Experience of being a Van Driver / HGV Driver.
• Experience of recruitment.
• Experience of upscaling a business and supporting it to grow.

Benefits:

• Free on‑site parking.
• Company Pension.
• Uniform.
• Access to training.
• Progression training to support internal promotions.