1190 - Yard Planner in Felixstowe

Hutchison Ports - Port of Felixstowe is the UK's largest deep water container port and a major gateway for global trade. As a Yard Planner, you will play a key role in optimising yard operations, continuously assessing both current and projected container volumes against available yard capacity, while developing a detailed and actionable 7-day plan for review and approval.

Whilst fostering strong working relationships with Yard Control teams to ensure the efficient deployment of equipment in support of the plan, they will serve as the main point of contact for internal and external customers for enquiries relating to their area of expertise, collaborating closely with colleagues across all functions of the Yard Planning Team to share knowledge and drive continuous improvement in delivery.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to respond calmly and promptly to operational challenges, applying both expertise and initiative to resolve issues effectively. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, with the capacity to convey both quantitative and qualitative information clearly. The candidate should also possess the ability to analyse and interpret complex statistics and data in a logical manner.

Our Benefits – Rewarding the people who keep our port moving

We offer a strong, reliable benefits package designed to support your financial security, wellbeing and long term development:

• Competitive pension: 8% employer contribution (min 4% employee)
• Life Assurance: 14× annual salary for pension scheme members (4× for non-members)
• Annual profit share bonus and performance related bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential counselling, stress & anxiety support, financial wellbeing guidance, plus access to our Wellbeing Hub
• On site Occupational Health Team and wellbeing support

Time, Flexibility & Community

• Paid leave, enhanced sick pay terms, and family friendly policies
• Volunteering days supporting our local community
• Perkbox retail discounts, wellbeing content and savings across hundreds of brands

Growth & Development

• Access to development pathways, accredited training, and career progression opportunities across our port network

Role Overview

Key responsibilities

• Supports the Yard Planning Manager in reviewing yard demand, managing import/export/empty allocation, and identifying areas of concern.
• Acts as a main point of contact for customers and Service Delivery teams, handling enquiries and escalating issues when required.
• Works closely with operational teams to ensure yard activities align with operational plans, adjusting plans based on resource and equipment availability.
• Monitors and analyses yard performance and customer trends, making recommendations to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Promotes safe working practices, continuous improvement, and collaboration, while contributing to sustainability objectives and supporting colleagues across the Yard Planning Team.

What you need

• Effective communication both written and verbal
• Ability to analyse and interpret relatively complex statistics and data in a logical manner
• Experience in terminal planning or process controller is desirable
• Ability to articulate complex and technical information to customers, Terminal Management and Operational staff.

Shifts & Pay

• Hours: Average 42hrs per week following a 4 on 4 off shift pattern.

Inclusion & Community

We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate individual differences and believe that embracing diversity drives innovation, creativity, and stronger collaboration across our teams.

As part of this commitment, we consider all qualified applicants and encourage open conversations about flexible working. We offer a supportive, community-focused environment and are proud to hold Chartered Status from Women in Maritime.

We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. While we may not always be able to accommodate every request, we will always do our best to understand individual needs and explore suitable adjustments. These may include:

• Providing application materials in alternative formats (e.g. large print or accessible documents)
• Giving additional time for assessments or interviews
• Sharing interview formats in advance where appropriate
• Providing interview questions in a clear, readable printed format for all candidates
• Where possible, offering virtual interviews as an alternative to in-person attendance
• Adjusting interview environments (e.g. quiet rooms or reduced distractions)
• Allowing the use of assistive technology or support persons
• Providing clear communication and instructions throughout the process

Our dedicated Diversity & Inclusion committee supports a range of employee networks, including our Women's Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability, and Culture groups.

Hutchison Ports UK is able to sponsor skilled worker visas in cases where the role fits the requirements set out by the UK government. Please refer to the government website via this link to understand the requirements needed. In cases where a post-study visa is used initially, it may be the case that the skilled worker visa requirements will not be met once this visa has expired.

Hutchison Ports is committed to creating and developing an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants and encourage discussion about flexible working opportunities. We offer a supportive, community environment and have been awarded Chartered status by Women In Maritime. Our D&I committee oversees multiple employee networks including - Women's Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability and Culture.