Transport Planner

Role: Transport Planner
Location: Kettering, NN15 6PP
Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00am – 5:00pm or 9:00am – 6:00pm) with an on-call rotation for evenings and weekends (paid extra)
Freight Force Recruitment are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this temporary vacancy.
Freight Force Recruitment are working in partnership with a growing logistics business based in Kettering, providing reliable and accountable transport solutions to customers across the UK. Built on a reputation for consistency, service excellence, and operational efficiency, our client works closely with customers to deliver seamless logistics solutions that keep supply chains moving.
As part of their continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Transport Planner to join our team.
The Role
This is not a traditional transport planning position. We are looking for an individual who can think beyond simply allocating work and instead take ownership of fleet utilisation, subcontractor management, and commercial performance.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maximising revenue opportunities across the fleet while maintaining exceptional service standards for customers. You will work closely with drivers, customers, subcontractors, and management to ensure operational efficiency and profitability are achieved at every stage of the transport process.
This role would suit someone with previous subcontract planning experience who understands the commercial aspects of transport operations and can identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce costs, and drive operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
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Planning and coordinating daily transport operations across the company's fleet.
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Managing and sourcing subcontractors to support customer requirements.
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Maximising vehicle utilisation and operational efficiency.
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Monitoring transport costs and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
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Negotiating rates with subcontractors and suppliers.
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, drivers, and subcontractors.
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Ensuring customer delivery requirements are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
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Proactively managing operational issues and providing effective solutions.
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Monitoring driver compliance, working time regulations, and transport legislation.
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Supporting the business in achieving service, performance, and financial targets.
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Producing operational reports and KPI data as required.
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Contributing ideas and initiatives to improve planning processes and overall business performance.
Candidate Requirements
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Previous experience working within a Transport Planner position.
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Experience planning and managing subcontracted transport movements.
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Strong geographical knowledge of the UK transport network.
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Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
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Commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
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Strong communication and negotiation skills.
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Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced logistics environment.
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Competent IT skills and experience using transport management systems.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary of up to £36,000 per annum (dependent on experience).
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Monday to Friday working pattern
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25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
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Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious logistics business.
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Supportive working environment with genuine opportunities for development.
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The chance to make a real impact within a commercially driven transport operation.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced Transport Planner with a strong commercial mindset and a proven ability to maximise fleet efficiency and profitability, we would love to hear from you.
Submit your CV today and become part of a business committed to delivering seamless logistics solutions and operational excellence