At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage vehicle bookings and ensure timely deliveries for our distribution network.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis & Partners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, evening and night premiums, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience with Google applications and strong communication skills required.
As a Vehicle Booking Administrator you will be the liaison between Merchandising, suppliers, Import Logistics Compliance (ILC), third parties and Distribution. You will manage the flow of supplier deliveries, including all shipping containers into the National Distribution Centre (NDC) network from suppliers and couriers. You will plan and book individual deliveries within the agreed network capacity. You will ensure that the flow of stock is maintained within agreed capacity constraints, using the systems available to you, and by working with a range of Supply Chain and Commercial Planning teams, contribute towards products being available to our customers in the right place at the right time.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 18:00 - 22:00 will attract an Evening Premium at a rate of £3.25 per hour, and any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract a Night Premium at a rate of £4.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily operational execution of all vehicle booking activity including effective and timely resolution of issues through use of the online web based system, warehouse management systems and emails.
- Ensure individual buying group and overall Distribution Centre forecasts are not exceeded, working closely with Stock Flow Planning teams and Merchandisers to build and maintain effective working relationships.
- Organise additional services as required for overseas deliveries (i.e. fumigation testing).
- Deliver an effective response to short term, unplanned capacity issues which minimise any resulting disruption to the inbound flow of stock.
- Adhere to standards and regulations for booking deliveries and effectively prioritise workflow to ensure that the needs of the business and the customer are met.
Essential Experience/Qualifications required
- Experience in using Google applications
- Stakeholder Management - Ability to form positive working relationships and work with various Stakeholders, internal and external.
- Communication - Ability to communicate in meaningful language, both written and verbal.
- Organisational skills - Ability to plan and prioritise own work.
Closing Date: July 17, 2026
Pay: £31,000.00 - £46,500.00 Annual
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours of Work: 08:30 - 16:30
Job Level: Partnership Level 9
Where You'll Be Working: Magna Park Distribution Centre (John Lewis & Partners), Fen Street, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK17 8EW
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Booking Administrator
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Booking Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Vehicle Booking Administrator in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at John Lewis. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at John Lewis and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.
