Route & Fleet Optimisation Manager

Advert Details: Route and Fleet Optimisation Manager Smarter routes. Better fleet performance. Reliable collections. Panda is looking for a Route and Fleet Optimisation Manager to improve how we plan routes, use our vehicles and deliver services across our collection and delivery network. You’ll bring together operational experience, data and technology to reduce wasted mileage, improve vehicle availability and control costs. You’ll also lead the people who turn those plans into dependable daily service. This is an opportunity to shape how our network operates, challenge established ways of working and deliver improvements that can be measured. What you’ll do

Improve route performance: Design, review and refine collection and delivery routes, reducing duplication and making better use of vehicle capacity. Model changes to support customer growth, service requirements and depot changes. Keep plans responsive: Use operational data, traffic conditions and changing demand to adjust routes. Work with Customer Service, Sales and depot teams to integrate new customers and service changes smoothly. Make the fleet work efficiently: Match vehicle availability to operational demand, improve utilisation and reduce downtime. Monitor fuel, maintenance, tyre, insurance and depreciation costs to identify savings. Turn data into action: Own fleet and route management systems, maintain accurate data and develop dashboards covering cost per collection and kilometre, productivity, service reliability, vehicle availability, fuel use and emissions. Lead continuous improvement: Identify the causes of poor performance, agree corrective actions and track results. Use industry benchmarks to challenge performance and sustain improvements. Strengthen our technology: Evaluate and implement route planning, telematics and predictive maintenance tools, including AI-driven solutions where they add value. Assess electric and alternative-fuel vehicles against operational needs and sustainability targets. Lead and develop your team: Coach route planners, fleet coordinators and analysts, set clear objectives and hold regular performance and development conversations. Keep safety and compliance central: Champion safe working, maintain accurate driver licence, certification and training records, and support compliance with transport and environmental requirements. Reduce our environmental impact: Cut unnecessary mileage, fuel consumption and emissions, and provide accurate fleet data for sustainability reporting. Work across the business: Partner with Operations, Finance, IT, HR and Commercial teams to align improvements with business priorities and embed new ways of working.What you’ll bring

At least five years’ experience in fleet management, transport planning or logistics operations, with increasing responsibility. A track record of delivering route or fleet improvements with measurable results. Strong experience using route planning software, fleet management systems and telematics. Experience leading operational teams and improving performance through clear expectations, coaching and accountability. A sound understanding of transport compliance, vehicle regulations and driver management requirements. The ability to analyse operational data, understand cost drivers and turn findings into practical decisions. Confidence presenting recommendations to senior stakeholders and gaining support for operational change. A pragmatic approach to solving problems and making decisions when service demands change.Experience that would be useful

Waste management, utilities, field services or another complex collection or delivery network. A Transport Manager CPC, CILT qualification or equivalent professional qualification. A postgraduate qualification in supply chain, logistics or operations. Power BI, Tableau, GIS mapping or similar reporting and planning tools. Electric vehicle fleet management or transition planning. Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methods.Apply for the Route and Fleet Optimisation Manager role and help improve how Panda’s fleet and collection network perform.

About The Company We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve. (DE&I Policy Statement)