At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan efficient routes and support drivers in a fast-paced transport environment.
- Company: Join Panda, a growing company focused on smarter waste and recycling services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on problem-solving and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital service that keeps communities running smoothly.
- Qualifications: Experience in traffic planning or logistics, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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.
Traffic Planner employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Panda, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. As a Traffic Planner, you will benefit from our commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while enjoying a supportive culture that values safety and efficiency in delivering essential waste services. Join us at this pivotal time in our expansion, and be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Traffic Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the waste and transport industry on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to traffic planning and logistics. Think about how your experience aligns with the role at Panda, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring a portfolio or a digital presentation to your interview that highlights your previous work in transport planning. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Panda.
We think you need these skills to ace Traffic Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Traffic Planner role. Highlight your experience in traffic planning or transport coordination, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a bit of personality!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since the role involves liaising with drivers and customers, make sure to showcase your communication skills in your application. Whether it’s through examples in your CV or your writing style in your cover letter, let us know you can engage effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the geographical area you'll be working in. Understanding local routes and potential challenges can give you an edge during the interview, showing that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Brush Up on Compliance Knowledge
Make sure you’re well-versed in driver hours, the Working Time Directive, and transport compliance requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safety and efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully resolved operational issues in the past. Highlighting your ability to adapt plans and reallocate resources under pressure will show that you can handle the fast-paced environment of a Traffic Planner.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves liaising with drivers, customers, and internal teams, showcasing your communication skills during the interview will be crucial to demonstrate your fit for the position.
