At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan efficient routes and support drivers in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Panda, a growing company focused on smarter waste solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for career 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 and 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.
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
Qualifications
- 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
- The 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. 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 in Leeds employer: Panda Ireland
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and efficiency in waste management, offering a dynamic work environment for Traffic Planners. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values teamwork and communication, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to essential services in a rapidly expanding company. Join us at this pivotal moment and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Traffic Planner in Leeds
✨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 Panda Ireland.
✨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 Panda Ireland. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Traffic Planner in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Panda Ireland, 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 Panda Ireland 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 Panda Ireland. 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 Panda Ireland
✨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 Panda Ireland.
✨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 Panda Ireland.
