I am currently recruiting on behalf of my client for an experienced Senior Transport Planner to join their busy and growing traffic office. This is an excellent opportunity for a transport professional with strong container planning experience and port knowledge to play a key role in delivering efficient operations and high service levels.

The Role

As Senior Transport Planner, you will be responsible for planning and coordinating container transport operations across major UK ports. Working within a busy traffic office, you will ensure vehicles are utilised efficiently, service levels are maintained, and daily operations run smoothly.

Planning responsibilities will cover key UK locations including:

• Port of Felixstowe

• London Gateway Port

• Whittlesey

• Port of Southampton

Occasional travel to other depots will be required, including visits to the Southampton depot.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning and coordinating container haulage movements across multiple UK ports

• Managing allocated vehicles to maximise utilisation and maintain service levels

• Booking and managing port slots via VBS systems

• Ensuring full compliance with UK Drivers’ Hours regulations and transport legislation

• Maintaining accurate operational records using transport systems including DESTIN8

• Communicating effectively with drivers, customers, and port authorities

• Resolving daily operational issues quickly to keep transport schedules on track

• Supporting the wider traffic team in a fast-paced planning environment

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in container transport planning

• Experience planning movements through Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton ports

• Strong working knowledge of VBS (Vehicle Booking Systems)

• Experience using DESTIN8

• Solid understanding of Drivers’ Hours regulations and transport compliance

• Knowledge of container haulage operations and port procedures

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and coordination skills

• Strong organisational ability and attention to detail

• Proactive problem solver with a positive, “can-do” attitude

• Confident working in a busy traffic office environment

• Good IT and transport systems knowledge

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary: £45,000 – £60,000 (DOE)

• 20 days holiday, increasing with service (up to 25 days)

• Birthday day off after successful probation

• Life assurance

• Pension scheme

• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

• Health & wellbeing subscription

• On-site parking

If you are an experienced container transport planner looking for your next opportunity within a professional and fast-paced operation, please apply or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.

Senior Transport Planner – Take the Lead in a High-Impact Role

If you’re an experienced Transport Planner ready to step into a role where your decisions genuinely shape operations, this could be your next move.

You’ll be joining a fast-paced, well-established transport operation where your leadership, industry knowledge, and planning expertise will be valued from day one. This isn’t just about keeping things moving — it’s about driving performance, supporting your team, and making a real impact across major UK ports.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll take ownership of daily traffic operations, leading a team of planners while ensuring vehicles are running efficiently, customers are well-served, and commercial targets are met.

Your role will include:

• Leading and developing a busy planning team

• Coordinating container movements across key UK ports, including:

  • Port of Felixstowe

  • London Gateway

  • Whittlesey

  • Port of Southampton

• Managing fleet allocation to maximise revenue and efficiency

• Acting as a key point of contact for drivers, building strong working relationships

• Handling day-to-day challenges and keeping operations running smoothly

• Managing VBS bookings accurately and efficiently

• Maintaining high standards under pressure in a time-critical environment

You’ll also spend time at different depots, including regular visits to Southampton, giving you real visibility across the operation.

Why This Role Stands Out

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being at the centre of the action — leading from the front, influencing outcomes, and working in a role where no two days are the same.

You’ll have the autonomy to make decisions, the support to lead effectively, and the platform to further develop your career within transport planning.

What You’ll Bring

You’re someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment and enjoys leading a team to success.

You’ll likely have:

• 5+ years’ experience in transport planning

• 2+ years in a senior or supervisory role

• Proven experience leading or mentoring a planning team

• Strong knowledge of container haulage and port operations

• Hands-on experience with VBS systems

• The ability to stay calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Alongside this, you’ll bring:

• Strong communication and customer-facing skills

• A proactive, problem-solving mindset

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail

• Confidence managing multiple priorities at once

• Solid IT skills

What You’ll Get in Return

• £45,000 – £60,000 salary (depending on experience)

• Holiday starting at 20 days, increasing to 25 with service

• Your birthday off (after probation)

• Life assurance

• Pension scheme

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

• Health & wellbeing subscription

• On-site parking

Interested?

If you’re ready to step into a role where you can lead, influence, and make a real difference, I’d love to speak with you.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential chat — I’m happy to share more detail and talk you through the opportunity.