Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead logistics planning and optimise distribution operations for a top online retailer.
- Company: Join Buy It Direct, a fast-growing leader in online retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Shape logistics strategies and make a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or supply chain roles; strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 38000 £ per year.
Buy It Direct is one of the UK’s leading online retailers, offering great value across electrical appliances, tech, furniture, and lifestyle products. Our continued growth is underpinned by a robust logistics and distribution network, ensuring customers receive excellent service nationwide. We are now seeking a Lead Planner to play a key role in ensuring our distribution operation runs efficiently, reliably, and in line with customer demand. This is a great opportunity to help shape and continuously improve our planning function as Buy It Direct evolves and grows.
As the central point of control for planning, you will transform commercial forecasts into actionable operational plans that align capacity, resources, and network performance. You will maintain a real-time view of forecasted and actual volumes, supporting proactive decision-making that protects service levels, optimises fleet and carrier utilisation, and prevents bottlenecks before they arise.
Key Responsibilities- Lead strategic, tactical, and operational forecasting in collaboration with commercial teams.
- Translate demand forecasts into Distribution Centre and final mile capacity requirements.
- Develop weekly and monthly plans to support trailer movements, fleet capacity, and fulfilment targets.
- Monitor volume performance against plan and respond effectively to changes in demand.
- Oversee internal routing and planning systems, ensuring efficiency and issue resolution.
- Provide regular updates to stakeholders on forecasts, plans, KPIs, and actual volumes.
- Support large delivery requirements by identifying opportunities to optimise fleet or HGV resources.
- Analyse customer order trends, supply chain data, and external factors to enhance forecasting accuracy.
- Lead structured handovers, briefings, and coordination across planning support roles.
- Carry out compliance-based activities linked to outbound performance, including audits and operational checks.
- Maintain processes for outbound freight presentation, asset control, and performance monitoring.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen planning effectiveness and network performance.
- Provide analytical and operational support across the wider Logistics function when required.
The ideal candidate should have at least one of the following:
- Experience in a planning or traffic desk role preferably with HGVs/Vans, containers, supply chain or production.
- Proven track record of results in an equivalent warehouse, supply chain or delivery operations role.
- University level education in a related field such as Logistics, Supply Chain, Business.
- Strong analytical skills and confidence in interpreting operational data.
- Understanding of final mile delivery or distribution operations.
- Competence with Excel or Google Sheets, including working with large data sets.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear communication skills, able to work effectively with operational and non-operational stakeholders.
- Experience collaborating across teams such as operations, commercial, supply chain, and carriers.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach to problem solving.
- Familiarity with KPIs, compliance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Strong attention to detail, ownership, and accountability.
- A collaborative and adaptable working style.
At Buy It Direct, we dare to be different. We’ve built this business from the ground up to become one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing online retailers. We are proud of the products and services we provide across our six well recognised, award-winning online brands including Laptops Direct, Appliances Direct, Better Bathrooms and Furniture. We listen, learn and challenge the status quo, paying attention to the details that matter and want to delight our customers by putting them at the heart of what we do, to really understand what matters to them.
Hours: 40
Lead Planner - Logistics in Huddersfield employer: Buy It Direct Group
Contact Detail:
Buy It Direct Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner - Logistics in Huddersfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics and planning field on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Buy It Direct and understanding their logistics operations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can help optimise their distribution network.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to logistics planning during interviews. This will show that you can think on your feet and handle real-world challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Buy It Direct team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner - Logistics in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Planner role. Highlight your experience in logistics, planning, and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Buy It Direct. Share specific examples of your past achievements in logistics and planning that align with our needs.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to interpret data. Mention any tools or methods you've used to enhance forecasting accuracy or optimise operations in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Buy It Direct!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buy It Direct Group
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of logistics and distribution operations. Understand how demand forecasting translates into operational plans, and be ready to discuss your experience with HGVs, vans, or supply chain roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical skills, prepare to demonstrate how you've used data to make decisions in past roles. Bring examples of how you've interpreted operational data or improved forecasting accuracy. This will highlight your ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changes in demand.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing collaboration with commercial teams or stakeholders. This will showcase your ability to work across different teams and ensure everyone is on the same page.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Buy It Direct values continuous improvement, so come ready with examples of initiatives you've led or contributed to that enhanced planning effectiveness. Discuss how you’ve identified bottlenecks and implemented solutions, demonstrating your proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.