At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive efficiency by optimising schedules for a multi-trade workforce and managing emergency demands.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at our head office in Houghton Hall Park.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Office-based role with a focus on teamwork and data-driven decision making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational performance while honing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in scheduling or route planning and strong analytical skills required.
We are recruiting for an experienced route planner / scheduler to work at our head office on the Woodside Estate (Houghton Hall Park). This role is office based not remote working.
Purpose of Role
To drive operational efficiency and contract performance through proactive management of a 7-day forward schedule, optimising workforce utilisation across 40–50 operatives via data-led planning, effective job clustering, and pre-delivery quality assurance, while maintaining flexibility to absorb same-day emergency demand.
Key Tasks
- Forward Planning & Resource Optimisation
- Owned and optimised a rolling 7-day schedule for a multi-trade workforce (40–50 operatives)
- Balanced workload distribution to maximise productive capacity and utilisation
- Ensured alignment with SLA priorities and contractual KPIs
- Advanced Job Clustering & Route Efficiency
- Led geospatial job clustering strategy to group works into tight, logical patches
- Continuously refined scheduling to reduce travel distances and improve routing efficiency
- Pre-Delivery Quality Assurance (7-Day Review)
- Conducted structured forward validation checks to ensure:
- Correct trade/operative allocation
- Accurate job coding (operations)
- Clear and complete job specifications
- Materials & Supply Chain Readiness
- Ensured all jobs were fully enabled for completion through parts verification
- Flagged shortages or risks ahead of schedule
- Capacity & Time Efficiency Management
- Reviewed and optimised job durations and time allocations
- Ensured realistic and achievable daily workloads
- On-the-Day Emergency Integration
- Managed allocation of reactive emergency works into live schedules
- Balanced urgent demand without compromising planned productivity
- Performance-Driven Approach
- Used performance data to continuously improve:
- Operative utilisation
- First-time fix rates
- Travel efficiency
- Job completion rates
Target Key Performance Indicators:
- Utilisation: 85–95%
- First-Time Fix: 85–95%+
- Travel Reduction: 15–30%
- Increase in jobs per day: +1–2 per operative
- Significant reduction in missed or aborted visits
Senior Scheduler (route planner) in Houghton Regis employer: Gilmartins
Join our dynamic team at the Woodside Estate, where we prioritise operational excellence and employee development. As a Senior Scheduler, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that values innovation and efficiency, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque location while contributing to impactful projects that enhance service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scheduler (route planner) in Houghton Regis
✨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 Gilmartins 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 Gilmartins!
✨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 Gilmartins 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 Senior Scheduler (route planner) in Houghton Regis
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 Gilmartins:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Gilmartins. 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 Gilmartins
✨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 Gilmartins.
✨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 Gilmartins 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 Gilmartins. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
