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 workforce, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to make a real impact in a vital industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that keeps essential services running smoothly and efficiently.
- Qualifications: Experience in traffic planning or logistics, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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. You will ideally have:
- 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 Sheffield employer: Panda Ireland
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. As a Traffic Planner, you will be part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering essential waste and recycling services, with opportunities to enhance your skills in transport planning and compliance. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, coupled with a focus on safety and operational excellence, makes Panda a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Traffic Planner in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they approach waste management. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Traffic Planner, you'll need to engage with drivers and customers regularly. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any situation that comes your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to our mission of efficient waste management.
We think you need these skills to ace Traffic Planner in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Traffic Planner role. Highlight your experience in traffic planning or transport coordination, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role requires strong organisational abilities, give us examples of how you've successfully managed workloads or planned routes in previous jobs. We want to see your knack for keeping things running smoothly!
Communicate Clearly:In your application, demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Whether it's through your writing style or by sharing experiences where you effectively engaged with drivers or customers, we want to know you can keep everyone in the loop.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda Ireland
✨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 safe operations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with drivers, customers, or internal teams in past roles. Clear communication is key in a Traffic Planner position, so highlight your ability to provide instructions and resolve issues swiftly.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to adapt plans or solve operational challenges under pressure. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your organisational skills and your proactive approach to maintaining service standards.
