At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate deliveries and manage logistics to ensure exceptional service.
- Company: Heidelberg Materials, a leader in sustainable construction materials.
- Benefits: Career progression, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while working with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58860 - 71940 £ per year.
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. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
We are looking for a highly organised, commercially aware, and customer-focused Senior Shipper to 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.
If you thrive on problem solving, enjoy building relationships with customers and operational teams, and can make confident decisions in a dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
- Essential Skills & Experience
- 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.
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.
If you are an experienced logistics professional looking for your next challenge, apply today and help us deliver excellence every day.
Senior Shipper employer: Heidelberg Materials Limited
Join a forward-thinking team at the National Laboratory in Chipping Sodbury, where your role as a Laboratory Technician will be supported by a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Enjoy a competitive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional development, all within an inclusive environment that values diversity and well-being. This is not just a job; it's a chance to contribute to operational excellence while growing your career in a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Heidelberg Materials Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Shipper
✨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 Heidelberg Materials Limited 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 Heidelberg Materials Limited!
✨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 Heidelberg Materials Limited 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 Shipper
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 Heidelberg Materials Limited:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Heidelberg Materials Limited. 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 Heidelberg Materials Limited
✨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 Heidelberg Materials Limited.
✨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 Heidelberg Materials Limited 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 Heidelberg Materials Limited. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
