At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and coordinate vehicle loads for timely deliveries while optimising transport operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced logistics environment in Hinckley.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, shopping discounts, and more!
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring excellent service and improving efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics or transport planning with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the Role
We’re excited to be looking for a Despatch Coordinator to join our team in Hinckley. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring our customers receive the high-quality service they expect, while helping us optimise our transport operations. In this role, you’ll be responsible for planning and coordinating vehicle loads to ensure orders are delivered on time, while maximising vehicle utilisation and minimising transport costs. You’ll act as a central point of communication between customers, hauliers, and internal teams, proactively managing any issues and helping to keep everything running smoothly. This is a fast-paced and collaborative role where you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, contribute to continuous improvement, and be part of a supportive and driven team.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and optimise loads by destination, ensuring efficient vehicle utilisation and cost control.
- Arrange external transport, build load configurations, and manage routes and delivery trackers.
- Prioritise urgent or at-risk deliveries to meet customer commitments.
- Liaise with customers to arrange delivery bookings and provide updates on schedules. Proactively communicate any risks or delays, ensuring excellent service.
- Work closely with Customer Services, Planning, and Despatch teams to keep operations running smoothly.
- Attend daily review meetings and collaborate with FLT loaders to manage risks.
- Handle customer returns, system updates, and support issue resolution efficiently.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce overs, and optimise backloads.
- Approve haulier invoices, complete vendor assessments, and maintain accurate cost data.
- Promote a safe working environment by following procedures and challenging unsafe behaviours, ensuring visiting drivers understand and comply with site safety standards, and reporting incidents and risks promptly.
About You
You’ll be a proactive and organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys solving problems collaboratively. With a strong customer focus, you’ll take pride in delivering a reliable, efficient service and go the extra mile to meet customer needs.
Minimum Requirements
Essential:
- Experience in a fast‑paced despatch, logistics, or transport planning role.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to manage queries confidently.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office – Excel (intermediate).
- Ability to work accurately with strong attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to integrated business systems (e.g. CBS).
- Continuous learning and development mindset.
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Income protection.
- Employee assistance program.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Shopping discounts.
- Subsidised staff canteen.
- On-site parking.
Location: Hinckley
Working Pattern: On site – Monday to Thursday 08:45 – 17:00 / Friday – 08:45 – 15:45
Despatch Coordinator in Hinckley employer: DS Smith
Join our dynamic team in Hinckley as a Despatch Coordinator, where you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment that values collaboration and continuous improvement. We offer a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and employee discounts. Be part of a company that prioritises customer satisfaction and safety, making a meaningful impact every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Despatch Coordinator in Hinckley
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like DS Smith and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at DS Smith!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like DS Smith keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Despatch Coordinator in Hinckley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to DS Smith:This is your chance to really connect with the team at DS Smith. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with DS Smith.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show DS Smith that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at DS Smith. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
