Load Planner

Job Specification: Load Planner Department / Location: Transport, Halifax Reports To: Transport Manager People Responsibility: Drivers and Mates Main Purpose To manage day-to-day transport operations, including driver allocation, route planning and transport administration, ensuring customer service requirements are met efficiently and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Allocate work to drivers and mates to maximise vehicle utilisation and workforce efficiency, monitoring performance and taking corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure drivers and mates follow company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and established working practices.
• Plan daily delivery routes using Paragon, ensuring the appropriate vehicles are deployed to meet customer requirements while minimising costs.
• Ensure loads remain within vehicle payload limits and comply with drivers' hours regulations.
• Ensure drivers and mates receive appropriate inductions and training, maintaining accurate records and identifying further training needs.
• Ensure vehicles and associated equipment are operated safely and in accordance with current legislation and company policies.
• Produce transport performance reports and KPIs accurately and on time for internal and external use.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and fire safety regulations, including the correct use of company uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Complete order processing and prepare pick lists, despatch notes and load sheets in accordance with depot procedures.
• Provide support to warehouse management when required. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• On-time delivery performance.
• Vehicle fill rates and payload utilisation.
• Delivery cost per drop.
• Driver compliance, including drivers' hours and vehicle walk-round checks.
• Completion of training and up-to-date induction records. Key Working Relationships Internal
• Transport Manager
• Warehouse Team
• Customer Service Team
• Fleet and Maintenance Team External
• Customers
• Hauliers and third-party carriers
• Paragon system support Qualifications, Skills and Experience
• Previous experience in transport planning, ideally using Paragon.
• Working knowledge of drivers' hours regulations and operator licence requirements.
• Strong IT, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet daily delivery deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with drivers, warehouse teams and other departments.
• A proactive approach to improving transport efficiency and customer service