At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise delivery routes for efficient and timely goods transport.
- Company: Join a leading foodservice provider with a rich history since 1929.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension matching, health plans, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Fast-paced office role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in route planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
A Route Planner is responsible for designing, optimizing, and managing transportation routes to ensure timely, cost-effective, and efficient delivery of goods or services.
The role involves analyzing logistics data, coordinating with drivers and dispatch teams, and adjusting routes based on real-time conditions such as traffic, weather, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and optimize daily delivery or service routes to maximize efficiency and minimize costs
- Analyse order volume, delivery schedules, and vehicle capacity to assign routes effectively
- Monitor GPS tracking systems and adjust routes in real time as needed
- Coordinate with drivers, dispatchers, warehouse staff, and customers
- Ensure compliance with transportation regulations, safety standards, and company policies
- Resolve routing issues such as delays, vehicle breakdowns, or last‑minute schedule changes
- Maintain accurate records of routes, mileage, fuel usage, and delivery performance
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in routing efficiency and cost reduction
- Use route planning and logistics software to generate reports and performance metrics
- Schedule drivers and create rotas
- Required Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience in route planning, logistics, transportation, or dispatch
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Proficiency in route‑optimization software and GPS tracking systems
- Excellent organizational and time‑management skills
- Strong communication and coordination abilities
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing conditions
- Knowledge of transportation regulations and safety standards
- Preferred Skills
- Experience with transportation routing systems (mainly Paragon)
- Advanced Excel or data analysis skills
- Knowledge of local geography and traffic patterns
- Experience in fleet management
- Working Conditions
- Office‑based role with frequent coordination with drivers and field staff
- This role will be Sunday – Thursday.
- Fast‑paced logistics environment with time‑sensitive deadlines
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 well‑being 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!
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Route Planner in Tonbridge
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Bidfood UK.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Bidfood UK. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Route Planner in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Bidfood UK, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Bidfood UK and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Bidfood UK. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bidfood UK
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Bidfood UK.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Bidfood UK.
