Transport Operations Assistant 6-month FTC in Crawley

Salary £25,000 - £26,000 pro rata 6-month FTC with potential for Extension or Permanency. Monday to Friday with occasional weekend/after hours on-call duties. Full-time office-based.

We are seeking a highly organised and analytical Transport Planning & Operations Assistant to join our Transport Team. This is a key support role within our Planning, Delivery and Support functions, ensuring the smooth coordination of cost-effective and efficient transport journeys in line with our business rules and customer service standards.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience across all areas of transport operations and the wider travel and logistics industry, providing a strong foundation for a career in this field. You will work closely with planning, delivery and support teams, communicating confidently with colleagues, customers and third-party suppliers both by phone and email to ensure every journey runs smoothly. You will be joining a passionate and dedicated team that is committed to delivering excellent service while maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment.

With strong Excel and data analysis skills, you will help ensure accurate planning, responsive decision-making and the consistent delivery of an outstanding customer experience. Due to the nature of the role and because the operational team operates 24/7 from our offices, occasional flexible shift patterns will be a requirement. Candidates will need to be in a commutable distance to Crawley; there could be the odd occasion when you can work from home, but the majority of shifts will be from our office base.

• Maintain and administer master route planning data, ensuring all systems and databases are accurate and up to date to support effective journey delivery.
• Support Transport Planners and the Team Leader in producing cost-effective and efficient journey plans in line with business rules and service standards.
• Manage operational changes and queries (including amendments, cancellations and customer requirements), ensuring routing efficiency and driver compliance are maintained.
• Monitor flights, traffic and weather conditions, adapting transport plans in real time to accommodate last-minute changes and ensure smooth driver coordination.
• Communicate effectively with customers, drivers, colleagues and third-party suppliers, providing clear information on pick-ups, mobility, luggage and journey arrangements.
• Produce and maintain journey documentation and reporting, including customer pick-up times, overall mileages and data required for internal budget tracking.
• Handle inbound and outbound calls, resolving customer and supplier queries with a strong focus on delivering exceptional service.
• Work collaboratively across the wider transport operation, meeting daily, weekly and monthly deadlines while maintaining clear and cohesive communication across teams.

You will have already gained experience in an administrative and/or customer service-based role, ideally within a fast-paced operational environment. You are customer-focused, adaptable and energised by working collaboratively with others, thriving in a role where planning, delivery and support teams work closely together to achieve shared outcomes.

You will demonstrate:

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel, with the ability to analyse and consolidate data.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise effectively, exercise sound judgement and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a confident and professional telephone manner.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, responding positively to change in a dynamic operational environment.
• A positive, collaborative mindset with a genuine commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

• Geographical knowledge of the UK road network and postcode areas.
• Experience within a Transport or logistics environment.

At Saga we recognise that our people make us special. We believe our colleagues deserve rewards for the excellence they demonstrate every single day, that’s why we have put together an amazing benefits package for all colleagues.

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (pro-rated for 6-month FTC).
• Option to purchase additional leave - 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme matched up to 10%.
• Company performance related annual bonus - Up to 5%.
• Life assurance policy on joining us, 4 x salary.
• Wellbeing programme.
• Colleague discounts including family discounts on cruises, holidays and insurance.
• Range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Grandparents leave.
• Income protection.
• Access to Saga Academy, our bespoke learning platform.

Over the past 75 years we have become the UK’s specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. We’re the most trusted brand amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for high-quality products and exceptional standards of service. Our product portfolio includes cruises, holidays, insurance, personal finance products and our Saga Magazine.

Our focus on delivering exceptional products and service empowers our colleagues to create moments that are personal and special for our customers and for each other and our values underpin our approach and help guide us to deliver our purpose. We’re committed to making sure that colleagues can be their best, be themselves and make a difference – more than anywhere else.

We have done this by creating a truly inclusive culture, where all colleagues can bring their full and authentic selves to work and be treated with dignity and respect in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Thanks to our people, Saga was awarded with a Gold for Best Customer Centric Culture in 2025. This is testament to the great culture we’ve built together. This award belongs to all our colleagues who collectively make Saga a fantastic place to work.

We are champions of age inclusivity and signatories of the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, we are proud of our multigenerational teams we have in place. We’re also a committed Disability Confident employer and ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. Your application will have fair consideration, and you’ll receive personal communication throughout your applicant journey when you apply to join Saga.

Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.