Route Optimization Specialist - Waste Logistics

About The Role

At Panda, we value waste. That means finding smarter, safer and more efficient ways to deliver essential waste and recycling services for our customers. Due to continued growth and future expansion plans, we are looking for a Traffic Planner to join our busy Collections team and support the day-to-day running of our collections depot. This is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal time as we continue to build a high-performing, fully functioning transport and collections operation capable of supporting a growing customer base and evolving service expectations.

As a Traffic Planner, you will play a key role in planning efficient driver routes, managing daily workloads, supporting drivers, maintaining service standards and ensuring operations run safely, smoothly and compliantly. You will work closely with drivers, customers and internal teams to keep collections, deliveries, lifts and exchanges moving, resolving issues quickly and helping the department deliver a reliable and professional service.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for container deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections across a wide geographical area.
• Monitor driver workloads and driver hours, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Communicate clearly with drivers throughout the day, providing instructions, updates and support.
• Carry out thorough end-of-shift debriefs with drivers.
• Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues, confirm bookings, provide ETAs and respond to queries.
• Maintain accurate job records and ensure all information is updated correctly on relevant systems.
• Respond quickly to operational changes, disruptions or service issues by adapting plans and reallocating resources.
• Support transport compliance and SHEQ by promoting safe working practices and following company procedures.
• Assist with tracking vehicle performance and utilisation across a large fleet of HGVs and LGVs.
• Help improve transport planning processes, route efficiency and customer service delivery.
• Support the wider transport and collections team with any reasonable tasks required.

About You

We are looking for someone who is organised, confident and able to stay calm in a busy, fast-paced transport environment.

You Will Ideally Have:

• Experience in a traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination role.
• Experience within waste, logistics, haulage, transport or a similar operational environment.
• Good knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to prioritise, adapt and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with drivers, customers and internal teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving problems.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to delivering a reliable service.
• A positive, team-focused attitude with the ability to multitask in a busy operation.

Desirable Experience & Knowledge

The following would be beneficial, but are not essential:

• A relevant qualification in transport, logistics or supply chain, such as CPC, NVQ or BTEC.
• Familiarity with waste management operations.
• Understanding of route planning principles.
• Good geographical knowledge of the operating area.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements in a transport or depot environment.
• Awareness of service-level expectations in a commercial environment.

Why Join Us?

This Traffic Planner role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working at pace, solving operational challenges and playing a key part in keeping essential services running. You will be joining a growing business at an important stage of development, with the chance to contribute to improved planning, stronger service delivery and the continued success of the transport department.

About Us

We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems; we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey. Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.