Logistics Planner in Colchester

Salary: £36,400, rising to £40,000 after successful 6-month probation
Shifts:

• 4 on 4 off

• Day Shift: 08:00 18:00 x 2

• Mid Shift: 12:00 22:00 x1

• Night Shift: 20:00 08:00 x 1 (this shift is working from home post training)

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Transport Logistics Plannerto join our fast-paced operational team. This role is central to ensuring the effective planning, coordination, and execution of time-critical vehicle movements and field technician support across a national network. Working closely with drivers, field teams, and clients, youll play a vital role in delivering operational excellence under pressure.

This position suits candidates with a background in logistics, emergency response planning, utilities coordination, fleet operations, or similar roles where prioritisation and high service standards are key.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational scheduling of vehicle fleet in line with service level agreements and compliance requirements

• Allocate drivers and vehicles to planned and reactive tasks with a focus on time-critical execution

• Respond to urgent customer requirements during and outside core hours, maintaining professionalism under pressure

• Provide timely and accurate job instructions to field staff, detailing equipment, access requirements, and service timelines

• Liaise directly with internal teams and clients to manage service changes, incidents, and escalations

• Monitor and ensure compliance with Drivers\’ Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive

• Plan for and support emergency logistics deployments, ensuring effective use of resources

• Assist with job costing and travel arrangements, including accommodation bookings for mobile teams

• Support bottle/courier delivery planning as needed both planned and reactive

• Track and resolve service complaints or delivery-related issues with tact and professionalism

• Collaborate with workshop staff to manage vehicle availability for maintenance, servicing, and MOTs

• Log and escalate any reported vehicle defects or issues in a timely manner

• Uphold company and legal obligations regarding health and safety, data protection, and confidentiality

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 2 years experience in HGV Transport Logistics, fleet planning, or field resource coordination

• Strong understanding of Drivers Hours Legislation and vehicle routing principles

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (verbal and written)

• High attention to detail and ability to remain calm under pressure

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and comfortable with scheduling tools

• Proactive, solutions-driven mindset with a passion for service delivery

• Ability to handle multiple operational demands simultaneously

• Experience working in sectors involving emergency response, utility coordination, or multi-site logistics is beneficial, though not essential

Benefits (subject to eligibility & probation)

• 23 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

• Company pension scheme

• Profit share

• Electric vehicle scheme (with free on-site charging)

• Inclusive, respectful workplace culture

Reporting to:Logistics Manager

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. If you thrive under pressure, enjoy solving real-world problems, and want to make a genuine impact in a dynamic logistics environment, wed love to hear from you.