At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our national transport planning for a smooth, cost-effective network.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leader in retail logistics with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, private medical insurance, and share options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport efficiency while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics, strong analytical skills, and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The role
As our National Transport Planning Manager, you will hold the key to keeping our nationwide transport network moving smoothly, cost-effectively, and safely. Based in the heart of our Transport Team at our flagship Distribution Centre in South Elmsall and reporting directly to the General Manager – Transport, your mission is to lead our centralised planning function, shaping the strategy for our mixed fleet of over 180 LGVs and 300 vans, alongside managing complex trunking operations to and from Evri, our Regional Service Centres, and third-party partners. By seamlessly aligning warehouse picking schedules with store deliveries and driver rotas, you will play a truly vital role in ensuring we consistently deliver on our customer promises.
At NEXT, we want to set you up for absolute success from day one; you will receive a comprehensive induction tailored to our bespoke systems, alongside dedicated mentorship from senior transport leaders and continuous professional development to help you thrive and drive meaningful change across our retail and online operations.
What you'll take on
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing planning team—including managers and schedule planners—fostering a proactive learning culture, conducting regular one-to-ones, and driving a technical and behavioural skillset upskilling program.
- Oversee the continuous evolution and design of core transport plans, driver rotas for over 800 drivers, and specific peak or Sale events using Paragon and Transport Management Systems (TMS).
- Collaborate closely with internal warehousing, fleet, finance, and store teams, as well as external suppliers, to ensure all transport movements balance exceptional service with optimum cost-efficiency.
- Build and maintain open, transparent relationships with senior union representatives and driver teams, communicating work profile changes clearly and collaboratively.
- Cultivate a rigorous safety-first culture across the department, ensuring every single transport route, driver schedule, and operational plan is fully compliant with legal regulations and health and safety standards.
- Analyze mass operational data and audit performance (plan versus actual) to deliver accurate forecasts, manage weekly financial targets, and actively highlight long-term cost-saving opportunities.
What you'll bring
- A proven track record of managing and prioritising complex projects simultaneously within a fast-paced, high-volume logistics or transport planning environment.
- Advanced technical proficiency in multi-depot planning systems (such as Paragon) and a strong operational understanding of Transport Management Systems (TMS), Mainframe, or SiT.
- A forward-thinking mindset with experience in utilising new, innovative technology and AI-driven tools to enhance route optimisation, automate manual processes, and unlock next-level operational efficiencies.
- Natural leadership capability with a passion for developing people, building positive team dynamics, and acting as an 'agent of change' during periods of business evolution.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate clear, professional updates to diverse audiences, from warehouse teams to trade unions.
- Strong analytical and data-interpretation skills, alongside an advanced command of office systems (Microsoft and Google suite), enabling you to transform complex data into actionable operational plans.
- A self-starting attitude, excellent time management, and the resilience to stay highly organised and focused during demanding peak retail periods.
What we can offer
Alongside a competitive salary and the host of benefits shown below, you’ll receive a company car, private medical insurance and an executive share allocation.
National Transport Planning Manager in Pontefract employer: Next Careers
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our flagship Distribution Centre in South Elmsall. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored inductions, dedicated mentorship, and continuous professional development opportunities, all while fostering a collaborative and safety-first culture. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a company car and private medical insurance, and the chance to lead a high-performing team, we empower our employees to drive meaningful change in our transport operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Transport Planning Manager in Pontefract
✨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 Next Careers.
✨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 Next Careers. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace National Transport Planning Manager in Pontefract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Next Careers, 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 Next Careers 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 Next Careers. 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 Next Careers
✨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 Next Careers.
✨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 Next Careers.
