Route Planner in London

We are seeking an organised, proactive and detail-oriented Route Planner to join our busy transport operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and optimising daily delivery routes, maximising vehicle utilisation, ensuring efficient resource allocation and maintaining excellent service levels.

Working within a fast-paced transport environment, you will coordinate with drivers, transport operations, warehouse teams and customer services to ensure deliveries are planned effectively, operational challenges are managed promptly, and customer commitments are achieved.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in transport planning, strong geographical knowledge, excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure in a time-critical environment.

Working shifts:

Monday to Friday

Shift: 10:00 – 17:00

Key Responsibilities

• - Plan, optimise and allocate daily delivery routes to maximise vehicle utilisation and operational efficiency.
• - Use route planning software, including Paragon or similar systems, to produce efficient and cost-effective routes.
• - Allocate deliveries according to vehicle capacity, payload, delivery windows, driver availability and customer requirements.
• - Ensure routes comply with relevant driving hours, working time requirements and vehicle weight restrictions.
• - Coordinate with drivers and the transport operations team to communicate route plans, changes and operational instructions.
• - Monitor route progress and make adjustments in response to delays, traffic, breakdowns, failed deliveries and other operational issues.
• - Maintain accurate delivery schedules, route data and transport management system records.
• - Liaise with warehouse teams to ensure loading schedules, vehicle departures and delivery requirements are aligned.
• - Work closely with customer services to communicate delivery updates, delays and service issues.
• - Identify opportunities to improve route efficiency, reduce mileage, minimise costs and increase delivery performance.
• - Review planned versus actual route performance and investigate recurring inefficiencies.
• - Ensure accurate and timely system updates, including delivery information, route amendments and relevant operational records.
• - Support continuous improvement initiatives across the transport department.
• - Maintain a professional and safety-focused approach to all planning activities.

Essential Skills and Experience

• - Previous experience in a transport planning or route planning role.
• - Experience using route planning software and transport management systems.
• - Strong geographical knowledge and the ability to plan efficient delivery schedules.
• - Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• - Strong communication skills with drivers, colleagues and customers.
• - Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and transport-related systems.
• - Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• - A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Desirable Experience

• - Experience using Paragon route planning software.
• - Experience planning routes for a mixed fleet of vans and heavy goods vehicles.
• - Knowledge of UK road transport legislation, vehicle weight restrictions and drivers’ hours requirements.
• - Experience working in a multi-drop delivery, distribution or logistics environment.
• - Understanding of delivery KPIs, vehicle utilisation, cost control and service level performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• The successful candidate will be measured against agreed operational targets, including:
• Route efficiency: Effective route planning and reduced unnecessary mileage.
• Vehicle utilisation: Maximising available vehicle capacity and resources.
• On-time performance: Supporting agreed delivery service levels.
• Planning accuracy: Producing accurate, achievable routes and schedules.
• Cost control: Minimising avoidable mileage, overtime and operational inefficiencies.
• System accuracy: Maintaining complete and up-to-date route and delivery information.
• Communication: Providing timely and accurate information to drivers and internal teams.
• Continuous improvement: Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve transport performance.

Personal Attributes

• We are looking for someone who is:
• Highly organised and methodical.
• Proactive, reliable and accountable.
• Calm under pressure and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Analytical, with a practical approach to problem-solving.
• A confident communicator and team player.
• Focused on efficiency, customer service and achieving results.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Permanent, full-time employment.
• The opportunity to develop within a busy transport and logistics operation.
• A supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to operational improvements and business performance.