Transport Planning Manager

Transport Planning Manager | Retail Logistics | Belfast | £50k - £60k

A leading retail distribution business is looking for an experienced Transport Planning Manager to join its Belfast operation.

This is a key position within the transport function, responsible for leading the transport planning team and ensuring the smooth, efficient and compliant delivery of daily transport operations.

You'll be responsible for managing planners and coordinators, overseeing the transport desk, resolving operational issues and working closely with the wider transport and fleet teams to maintain excellent service levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day transport planning operation.

• Manage, coach and develop a team of Transport Planners and Administrators.

• Ensure the transport desk is appropriately resourced and operating effectively.

• Oversee daily planning activity, ensuring schedules, routes and resources are managed efficiently.

• Act as the first escalation point for driver and customer issues, resolving problems quickly and effectively.

• Work closely with the Transport Operations teams to identify and resolve operational issues.

• Coordinate vehicle servicing, inspections and repairs to ensure fleet availability.

• Manage driver holidays, attendance, timekeeping and related operational matters.

• Ensure transport paperwork, PODs, debriefing and other administrative processes are completed accurately and on time.

• Monitor operational performance and produce regular reports and management information.

• Identify opportunities to improve transport efficiency, service levels and operational processes.

• Support the team during periods of increased workload and provide hands-on operational support when required.

• Conduct regular performance and development reviews, identifying training and development needs.

• Ensure transport legislation, company procedures and compliance requirements are consistently followed.

• Attend operational meetings and contribute ideas to improve the wider transport operation.

About You

You'll have recent experience in a Transport Planning Manager, Transport Manager or Senior Transport Planner position within a fast-paced retail or logistics environment with experience managing a planning team.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong experience managing a transport planning desk.

• Experience leading, coaching and developing transport planning teams.

• Good geographical knowledge across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

• A strong understanding of transport legislation and compliance.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong IT skills and confidence using transport planning systems.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a time-critical operation.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to work across all levels of the business.

• A structured, proactive and commercially minded approach.

• Flexibility to support the operation outside standard hours when required.

BH37543