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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and optimise delivery schedules for Waitrose, ensuring timely goods availability.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, known for innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain efficiency while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in distribution planning and knowledge of transport management systems.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 39600 £ per year.
About the role
Do you have continuous-improvement and planning experience, with a background in optimising a supply chain operation? Can you transform complex planning challenges into seamless delivery schedules? We are looking for a Distribution Planner to join our Waitrose team in Bracknell. In this role, you will play a crucial part in planning optimal operational schedules for our Waitrose depots, ensuring that the right goods reach our Stores and are available for our customers at the right time.
At a glance
- Position: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract
- Salary: Up to £33,000 Annual, depending on experience
- Hours of work: Full-Time, 35 hours a week, working 6 am to 2 pm.
- Location: Bracknell (In-person)
Key responsibilities
As our Distribution Planner, you will be essential in maximising efficiency across our Waitrose distribution operations. You will build and execute time-phased plans for stock movements and daily transport schedules in an accurate, legal, and cost-effective manner. Your main tasks will include:
- Solving complex planning problems related to branch de-kit (cages), backhaul placements, fleet availability, and multi-drop deliveries.
- Utilising system data and systems such as Transport Management Systems, Paragon Warehouse Management Systems, and Branch Order Builder to coordinate workflow across all business areas, ensuring minimal delays and maximum efficiency.
- Identifying opportunities for cost reductions in line with business objectives while ensuring all plans comply with Working Time Directives and EU drivers' hours.
- Communicating and providing clear, factual status updates to internal teams (IT, Warehouse and Transport operations) and external stakeholders (Third-Party Logistic sites, Offshore systems teams, Software Vendor teams).
- Ensuring adherence to systems and processes across the supply chain, implementing, monitoring, and measuring all relevant controls to manage operational and reputational risks to the Partnership.
- Role model the Partnership Behaviours and proactively invest in your own continuous professional development, both technically and personally.
- Drive your own contribution conversations and set and review your development goals regularly.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- A clear understanding of the components of TMS (Transport Management Systems) and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) Solution.
- Previous knowledge of Paragon, Microlise, C3, or similar software.
- Previous Distribution planning experience and a history of working effectively across supply chain departments.
- Ability to communicate with both internal and external stakeholders (all levels).
- Evidence of identifying and supporting cost-reduction initiatives.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- An up-to-date knowledge and understanding of Paragon, Macro creation and PBASIC.
- A proven track record of maintaining data integrity and accuracy under pressure.
- Certification of a professional body associated with planning.
Join our Waitrose team in Bracknell and play a pivotal role in ensuring our shelves stay stocked and our depots meet their service targets, apply today!
About The Partnership
We're the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We're not just employees, we're Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there's never been a more exciting time to join us.
We're ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. As Partners, we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
It's important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting. If required, you'll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible.
Transport Planner in Bracknell employer: Waitrose & Partners
Contact Detail:
Waitrose & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Transport Planner in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Waitrose. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Transport Planner roles. Think about how your experience with TMS and WMS can solve their planning challenges. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you’ve optimised schedules or reduced costs. This is your chance to demonstrate your value!
✨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 the Waitrose team.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Planner in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in transport planning and supply chain optimisation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Since this role involves tackling complex planning challenges, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully solved similar issues in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and come up with effective solutions!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waitrose & Partners
✨Know Your Systems
Familiarise yourself with Transport Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these systems in past roles, especially if you have experience with Paragon or similar software.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex planning challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Highlight your ability to optimise schedules and reduce costs, as this is crucial for the Distribution Planner role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, so be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your commitment to continuous professional development. Share any relevant training or certifications you've pursued, and express your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the role.
