Senior Shipper

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future.

As a Senior Shipper, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating deliveries, managing logistics performance, and ensuring exceptional service across our operations. This is a fast-paced role where no two days are the same. You will take ownership of a cluster of plants, proactively managing customer orders, haulage resources, and operational challenges to ensure we consistently achieve our key performance indicators of Volume, On-Time Delivery (OTD), and Vehicle Utilisation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead Operational Planning & Coordination: Take full responsibility for assigned plant clusters, managing order books and work profiles to deliver outstanding operational performance. Ensure a balanced and efficient workload to achieve Volume, OTD, and Utilisation targets. Collaborate closely with commercial, operational, and transport teams to meet customer requirements while managing costs.
• Manage Haulier & Fleet Performance: Coordinate company, franchisee, and external haulier activity. Optimise vehicle movements to maximise utilisation and minimise empty mileage. Monitor fleet availability, annual leave schedules, servicing requirements, and breakdowns. Escalate and manage haulier performance issues through the appropriate channels.
• Deliver Outstanding Customer Service: Build strong relationships with key customers and proactively anticipate future requirements. Take a "never say no" approach, identifying alternative solutions wherever possible. Ensure customers are kept informed of delays, operational changes, and delivery updates. Work closely with commercial teams to forecast demand and proactively manage high-priority accounts.
• Manage Plant Breakdowns & Operational Challenges: Coordinate workload planning around scheduled plant maintenance and shutdowns. Respond quickly to unexpected breakdowns by reallocating work and communicating effectively with customers and stakeholders. Manage vehicle redeployment and workload balancing during operational disruptions.
• Control Delivery Performance: Monitor daily delivery activity, optimise performance, and vehicle statuses. Ensure working vehicles are correctly allocated and off-duty vehicles are excluded from planning. Review future order demand and delivery schedules to ensure efficient resource allocation. Accurately record operational issues, delays, and performance concerns for reporting purposes.
• General Responsibilities: Liaise effectively with commercial, operational, and customer service teams. Resolve customer and haulier queries professionally and efficiently. Maintain accurate administration and system records within agreed timescales. Support colleagues across the wider team and provide cover where required. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures at all times.

What We're Looking For

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in Maths and English (or equivalent).
• Strong experience within logistics, transport planning, shipping, distribution, or supply chain operations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and negotiate with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Technical Knowledge

• Good understanding of SAP, SynchroTESS, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience of working within a large, complex operational environment is highly desirable.
• Understanding of transport, logistics, and vehicle utilisation principles.

Why Join Heidelberg Materials?

At Heidelberg Materials, we’re committed to creating an environment where people can thrive. You’ll join a business that is a leader in the construction materials industry, offering opportunities for professional development, career progression, and the chance to make a real impact on operational performance and customer experience. We strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business. We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritised. Our family-friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments. Heidelberg Materials is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.