Route Planner - 6 month Secondment in Chester-le-Street

About the role

Transport Route Planner

At Bidfood, we know that great journeys don’t just happen — they’re planned. If you’re organised, confident in decision-making and thrive on keeping things moving, this could be your next step. Make our journey your journey.

We’re looking for a Transport Planner to play a key role in ensuring our drivers are routed efficiently, safely and compliantly, helping us deliver the high standards our customers expect.

What you’ll be doing:

• Using internal systems and Paragon to plan and optimise driver routes
• Maximising cases per vehicle in line with depot KPIs
• Working closely with Transport Team Managers and Fleet teams to ensure compliance with drivers’ hours and legislation
• Liaising with sales teams to support customer requirements and service levels
• Ensuring routes are efficient, practical and commercially sound

What we’re looking for:

• Strong geographical knowledge
• Experience using transport planning software (Paragon preferred)
• Good understanding of drivers’ hours regulations
• Confident decision-maker with excellent organisational skills
• Strong administrative skills and attention to detail
• A team player who communicates well across departments

Why join Bidfood?

• Be part of a well-established, growing business
• Play a vital role in keeping our operation moving
• Supportive team environment with development opportunities
• A chance to build a long-term career in transport and logistics

If you’re ready to plan smarter, work collaboratively and grow with a business that values your contribution, make our journey your journey at Bidfood.

Behaviour requirements (NB. added following the evaluation)

Care - Take pride in what you do, no matter what you do:

• Caring about our customers and colleagues
• Being accountable and taking ownership to find great solutions
• Having passion for what you do and who you do it for
• Caring about the details

Share - Work together to make great things happen:

• Keeping colleagues and customers informed and connected
• Involving the right people at the right time
• Collaborating across teams to achieve the same goals
• Being ‘joined up in your approach

Dare - Take brave steps to achieve extraordinary results:

• Making bold decisions
• Challenging the status quo and having conviction in what you know is right for the business
• Being innovative and proactive in how you approach things
• Not being afraid to invest time in things that add value

This is a 6 months secondment role.

About us

Our journey began back in 1929. Since then, we’ve continued to build a strong and resilient business with a great future. It's why we believe we’re the best foodservice provider in the country.

A journey that gives back

We want your career with us to be as rewarding as possible. So, you’ll get lots in return for your hard work. That includes benefits that can support your wellbeing and financial security, and give you peace of mind.

The essentials

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) as a minimum and the opportunity to buy more
• A pension - contribute 4% and we’ll match you (after year 1, we’ll match your contributions up to 6%).
• Life cover that you can increase.
• Access to confidential support and counselling, when you need it.
• A health plan that gives you money back on everyday medical costs for all the family, as well as access to a digital GP.

The extras

• Exclusive range of high street discounts including cinema, tech, travel, fashion, food and drink.
• Get paid as you earn - access to up to 20% of your pay before payday.
• Opportunity to buy dental cover and critical illness cover.

We want everyone to join our journey

We’re on a journey towards creating the best possible workplace. We’ve got some way to go, but we’re building a diverse and caring workforce. One that’s filled with forward-thinking people who each bring unique talents and skills. So whatever your life experience, we want you to join us - and you really can come as you are!