At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan efficient transport routes and manage deliveries for a manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company in Bridgwater with a focus on logistics.
- Benefits: Salary between £30,000 - £40,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of transport planning and make a real impact on delivery efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in transport planning and strong IT skills, especially in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 30822 - 37672 £ per year.
You like the challenge of turning a stack of orders into safe, efficient routes, and seeing your plan roll out of the yard exactly as you designed it. As a Transport Planner with our client, a manufacturing business in Bridgwater, you’ll own every outbound delivery of insulated panels, roofing sheets and flashings, making sure customers get the right products, on the right day, on vehicles that are full, safe and legal. This Transport Planner role sits at the heart of operations, linking production, sales, drivers and hauliers into one joined-up plan. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll manage the daily work of a team of seven drivers as well as a mixed fleet of vehicles, agency drivers and third-party hauliers. Within six months, success looks like deliveries planned well in advance, a calm and controlled transport office, and a fleet that’s well utilised, compliant and trusted by the wider business.
What You'll Do
- Own the daily and weekly route plan for in-house vehicles and subcontract hauliers, balancing cost, vehicle fill and customer delivery windows.
- Build safe, compliant loads for long and heavy goods, selecting the right vehicle type and ensuring drivers’ hours, tachograph and load-security rules are met.
- Work closely with production and sales to agree realistic delivery dates, offload requirements and site access, confirming bookings 24–48 hours ahead.
- Lead and support a team of seven drivers day-to-day, from briefing and debriefing to re-planning routes when schedules change at short notice.
- Book, coordinate and manage agency drivers, rental vehicles and third-party logistics providers, maintaining a reliable approved-haulier list and fair rates.
- Monitor vehicles in transit using transport systems and tracking, reacting quickly to delays, breakdowns or site issues and keeping customers informed.
- Track key metrics such as cost per delivery, vehicle utilisation and on-time performance, using data to suggest route consolidation and smarter use of return loads.
What You'll Bring
- You have experience in transport planning, logistics coordination or a busy traffic office, ideally with multi-drop or industrial loads.
- You have working knowledge of UK drivers' hours, tachograph and working time rules, plus the fundamentals of safe load securing.
- You have strong IT skills, including confident use of Excel and an ERP or transport management system, with experience of route-planning or telematics tools a bonus.
- You have hands-on experience coordinating full-time drivers alongside third-party hauliers and agency drivers in a calm, organised way.
- You stay composed and decisive when plans change suddenly, reworking routes while keeping safety, legality and service front of mind.
- You have clear, confident communication skills, enabling you to build dependable relationships with customers, drivers, colleagues and site contacts.
What's On Offer
- Salary of £30,000 – £40,000 per year, depending on experience.
- A permanent Transport Planner position with real ownership of planning, fleet and driver management.
- On-site role in Bridgwater, working closely with operations, production and sales across the full order-to-delivery process.
- Autonomy to shape how transport planning is done and to drive measurable improvements in vehicle utilisation, cost and service.
- Benefits package, details on application.
If you’re a Transport Planner who wants to run the plan end-to-end, from factory schedule to site delivery, this role gives you the responsibility and visibility to do it properly.
Transport Planner in Bridgwater employer: Consortia Careers
As a Finance Administrator at our Taunton location, you'll join a supportive finance team that values individual contributions and fosters professional growth. With structured training, clear progression routes, and a positive work culture enriched by regular social events, we ensure that you not only excel in your role but also enjoy a fulfilling career in finance. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our benefits, including private medical insurance and a pension scheme, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Planner in Bridgwater
✨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 Consortia Careers.
✨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 Consortia Careers. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Planner in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Consortia Careers, 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 Consortia Careers 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 Consortia Careers. 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 Consortia Careers
✨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 Consortia Careers.
✨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 Consortia Careers.
