Transport Planning Manager - Devon

Transport Planning Manager jobs

Looking after a fleet of vehicles has never been a simple task, and it could be said that with the advent of technologies to simplify logistics and keep a second by second track of the vehicles, all that has happened is that new complexity has been loaded into the system. In other words, the transport planning manager is still an essential role, which is highly valued in logistics.

There are two main strands to the transport planning manager’s job: ensuring consignments are delivered on time and making the whole process as efficient as possible. Nowadays, sophisticated transport offices are kept informed of the complete status of every vehicle, and planning can take place while they are on the road, with drivers being informed of new destinations and alerted to traffic problems as they go. They will also need to make sure spaces on ferries are booked; it is keeping on top of details like this that make a successful transport planning manager.

The planning manager will also have close contact with the customers, both to inform them of the status of their deliveries and to arrange backhaul availability, for example. He or she will also need to make sure drivers are available and organise backup if drivers become unavailable through illness; likewise, should a breakdown occur, the planning manager will have to be quick thinking enough to arrange the best way to get the load delivered.

The skills required

The transport planning manager is first a planner and second a communicator, and the two roles need to work in harmony with each other. A calm person who thinks in four dimensions will be suited to the job; a day might start out looking perfectly planned out but look like a disaster movie by lunchtime due to events out of his or her control. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated an ability to cope with the stresses of such a chain of events.

The job will be extremely reliant on the company’s IT infrastructure, so computer literacy will be an absolute must for this role too.

Transport Planning Manager Jobs in Devon

Located in the south-west of England, with coastlines on the Bristol Channel, English Channel and the Celtic Sea, Devon shares a border with Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

It is one of the largest counties in England and with settlements including Exeter, Dartmouth, Plymouth and Torbay, there are a number of Transport Planning Manager positions to be found in Devon.

Devon has been occupied by humans for many thousands of years. Indeed, human remains from as many as 40,000 years ago have been found in the region, while Romans and Anglo-Saxons also called the region home.

In the past, Devon's core industries included farming, fishing and mining, while the seaside resorts brought significant wealth to the area in their heydays.

These days, the region is still heavily reliant on agriculture and dairy, producing products like milk and cheese, as well as the famous Devonshire cream.

A number of well-known companies can be found in the area, including the Wrigley chewing gum company and Beverage Brands, which makes WKD vodka.

The Met Office is also located in Devon, as is the Britannia Royal Naval College and HNBP Devonport.

Popular locations

Cast UK’s logistics opportunities

Cast UK’s recruitment consultants work with a host of employers around the UK to ensure positions are filled by the best people, and many of them approach us to create a shortlist rather than advertising jobs nationally or locally. We have specialists for every UK region and all the major cities, so wherever you are, we could have a position for you.

Whether you're moving house, looking to change employer or are simply seeking a change in career, get in touch with Cast UK. Our own staff are all source from within procurement, logistics and supply chain, and these are the backgrounds of our founder members, so we fully understand the needs of the industry.

To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Transport Planning Manager for your business or find you a job as a Transport Planning Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

Contact us