At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan transport routes, allocate vehicles, and optimise costs for efficient logistics operations.
- Company: Join JINGDONG Logistics, a leader in tech-driven supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, and a supportive culture focused on growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of logistics with innovative technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Logistics or relevant experience in transport planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics), part of JD.com, we are a leading technology-driven supply chain and logistics solutions provider. Built on deep expertise in automation, smart fulfilment, and data intelligence, we operate end-to-end logistics services that empower businesses and enhance customer experience.
JINGDONG Logistics has developed one of the most extensive logistics infrastructures in the world, managing more than 3,600 warehouses with over 34 million square meters of space. Our Global Smart Supply Chain Network combines highly automated warehousing with robust international transportation solutions, enabling seamless cross-border movement.
Joining JD Logistics means helping shape the future of global supply chain and logistics. You’ll work with smart warehousing, autonomous delivery, and innovative technology that keeps goods moving worldwide. With a competitive salary, great locations, and a supportive, people-first culture, you’ll have the space to take on meaningful challenges, grow your skills, and make a real impact in a fast-evolving industry.
You’ll be joining the JINGDONG Logistics team, which values collaboration, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Location: Manchester, UK
Department: Middle-mile Transportation
Employment Type: Full-time
Working Pattern: On-site role; shift flexibility may be required depending on operational needs.
Role Purpose
The Transport Planner is responsible for planning daily transport routes, allocating vehicles, forecasting transport requirements based on volume, and optimising vehicle utilisation and cost efficiency for the Manchester operation. This role supports the transport operation by ensuring routes are achievable, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with customer and business requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan daily transport routes based on order volume, delivery requirements, cut-off times, vehicle availability, driver availability, and operational priorities.
- Arrange vehicle allocation and dispatch plans to ensure sufficient transport capacity is available for daily operations.
- Use volume forecasts, historical data, peak plans, and operational trends to estimate vehicle demand and support capacity planning.
- Optimise route planning to improve vehicle utilisation, reduce empty mileage, control transport cost, and maximise operational efficiency.
- Analyse transport cost, route performance, vehicle fill rate, mileage, drop density, driver hours, and delivery productivity to identify improvement opportunities.
- Work closely with transport operations, warehouse teams, sortation teams, drivers, DSPs, subcontractors, and 3PL carriers to ensure routes are executable and aligned with site operations.
- Adjust transport plans in response to volume changes, customer requirements, traffic conditions, vehicle availability, driver availability, and operational disruptions.
- Support daily vehicle dispatch by providing clear route plans, vehicle requirements, driver allocation plans, and delivery instructions to the operations team.
- Monitor planned versus actual route performance, including departure time, arrival time, delivery completion, failed deliveries, mileage, cost, and vehicle utilisation.
- Identify risks in transport plans, including insufficient capacity, inefficient routes, overloading risk, under-utilised vehicles, unrealistic delivery windows, or non-compliant driver schedules.
- Ensure transport plans are aligned with driver hours rules, Working Time Directive requirements, vehicle capacity limits, and relevant operational compliance requirements.
- Prepare daily and weekly planning reports, including volume forecast, vehicle requirement, cost analysis, route performance, utilisation rate, and improvement actions.
- Support peak season planning, new customer onboarding, new route design, network expansion, and transport process improvement projects.
- Maintain accurate planning records, including route plans, vehicle allocation, forecast assumptions, cost data, delivery requirements, and operational changes.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or above in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transport Management, Business, Operations Management, Data Analysis, or a related discipline is preferred.
- Candidates with strong relevant transport planning or logistics experience may also be considered without a degree.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in transport planning, route planning, logistics planning, dispatch planning, fleet planning, parcel delivery, e-commerce logistics, 3PL, or distribution operations.
- Good understanding of transport planning, vehicle allocation, route optimisation, delivery scheduling, vehicle utilisation, and cost control.
- Experience using volume forecasts, operational data, route data, or cost data to support transport planning decisions.
- Basic understanding of UK transport compliance requirements, including driver hours, Working Time Directive, vehicle capacity, and overloading risks.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to review data, identify inefficiencies, and propose practical improvement actions.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work with transport operations, warehouse teams, drivers, DSPs, subcontractors, 3PL carriers, and management.
- Strong Excel skills are required. Experience with TMS, WMS, route planning systems, fleet management systems, telematics, Power BI, or other data tools is preferred.
- Experience in e-commerce, parcel delivery, last-mile, middle-mile, high-volume transport, or multi-drop delivery operations is preferred.
Role Positioning
This role is responsible for transport planning, route design, vehicle allocation, volume-based capacity planning, and cost optimisation for the Manchester operation. It works closely with the Transport Operations Manager and Transport Manager / CPC Holder to ensure plans are practical, compliant, cost-efficient, and operationally achievable.
At JINGDONG Logistics, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Ready to apply? Take the next step in your career, apply now and explore the opportunities we have to offer.
Transport Planner – Manchester employer: JINGDONG Logistics
JINGDONG Logistics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and technology-driven work environment in Bristol. With a strong focus on employee growth and professional development, we provide our team with the tools and support needed to excel in their roles while maintaining high standards of safety and quality. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values leadership and innovation in logistics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Planner – Manchester
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like JINGDONG Logistics.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by JINGDONG Logistics. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Planner – Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at JINGDONG Logistics, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at JINGDONG Logistics and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into JINGDONG Logistics. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at JINGDONG Logistics
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at JINGDONG Logistics.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to JINGDONG Logistics.
