Transport Planner
1 day ago
East Grinstead
Company Description Southern Sheeting is a family business with more than 40 years of experience, roofing and cladding runs in our veins. We pride ourselves on knowing our products, on dealing with people the right way, on embracing innovation and keeping an unrivalled stock holding. That means we will get you what you need when you need it, so you can get on with the job. Southern Sheeting works with all industries, and we are proud to be trusted by many of the UK’s biggest construction product manufacturers to represent and distribute on their behalf. Role Description The Transport Planner is a key part of Southern Sheeting’s operations, responsible for planning and coordinating daily deliveries to ensure customer orders are completed safely, legally, and on time. This position focuses on efficient route planning and maintaining clear communication with both customers and drivers. Working closely with the internal sales team, the Transport Planner ensures delivery commitments are realistic and aligned with the company’s customer promise, while maintaining full compliance with transport legislation. The role is central to upholding service standards, resolving delivery issues as they arise, and supporting the smooth, efficient day-to-day running of the transport function. Transport Planning & Compliance The Transport Planner plans and schedules daily delivery routes in line with customer commitments and operational capacity, ensuring full compliance with drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive, vehicle weight limits, and site access requirements. Routes are planned to maximize fleet efficiency and fuel usage, while responding effectively to changes such as delays, breakdowns, or urgent delivery requests. Customer & Internal Communication This role involves regular communication with customers to confirm delivery dates, access, and unloading arrangements, and acting as the main point of contact for delivery-related issues. The Transport Planner works closely with the sales, yard, and driver teams to ensure deliveries are planned accurately and completed in line with agreed customer commitments. Driver & Fleet Coordination The Transport Planner prepares driver manifests and delivery documentation through the ERP and scheduling systems and provides drivers with clear route plans. Ongoing support is provided to drivers throughout the day to resolve access issues, customer queries, or operational challenges as they arise. Systems, KPIs & Performance Accurate transport data is reported as part of the role, with responsibility for completing assigned KPIs relating to service, efficiency, and compliance. This role contributes to cost control, fuel efficiency, and performance improvement initiatives and provides cover for the Transport Assistant Manager when required. Essential Experience & Skills • Previous experience in a transport planning or logistics planning role, • Strong organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail, • Confident, professional communication skills with a customer-focused approach, • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, • Working awareness of transport legislation, including drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive, and vehicle weights would be an advantage., • Proven ability to problem-solve and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment, • Holds a valid UK driving licence and is willing to drive a 3.5 tonne vehicle or above, licence allowing, on occasion to support operational requirements, including deliveries in exceptional situations Personal Attributes • Self-motivated and able to manage workload independently while contributing positively to a team environment, • Proactive in identifying improvement opportunities within transport planning and delivery operations, • Willing to contribute to cost-saving, efficiency, and performance improvement initiatives, • Calm, organised, and professional when working under pressure, • Strong commitment to health, safety, and legal compliance, • Open to continuous improvement and ways of working that improve service and operational performance, • Flexible approach to working hours to meet operational requirements Communication & Interpersonal Skills • Commitment to health and safety protocols, • Outdoor and indoor work environment., • Physical activity required, including lifting and moving materials when delivering., • Flexible hours may be required to meet operational needs., • Use own initiative to continuous improvement / self-learning