Network Transport Planner

As a Network Transport Planner, you'll ensure smooth pallet deliveries within Browns' postcode areas. You'll be the go-to person for our driving team, helping them resolve any issues quickly. You'll manage communications with Palletline partners regarding collections and deliveries, and support your team in handling customer complaints and escalations, always with a positive attitude.

About Browns

Browns Distribution is a third-generation, family-owned logistics company that has grown to become Staffordshire’s leading transport and warehousing provider, offering comprehensive haulage and storage of palletised goods.

We are proud shareholder members of Palletline, the UK’s leading palletised freight distribution network, and work with a group of the best hauliers to deliver freight on-time and in full across the nation.

Our people shape our service. Being a part of Team Browns means embracing a culture of innovation and collaboration. In return, we’ll support our team in the best way we can, being the perfect place to work, learn and grow.

About your responsibilities...

Planning
You will be the first point of contact for the Palletline fleet, coordinating daily deliveries to fixed postcodes.

• Planning routes to meet service measurements, including timed deliveries;
• Maximising vehicle utilisation in terms of drops and weight;
• Accommodating customer-specific requests;
• Ensuring compliance with driver hours and working directive regulations;
• Prepare and produce vehicle and load manifests, along with customer paperwork, and present this information to the warehouse team and assigned drivers. Additionally, you will ensure that priority loading lists and handovers are printed.

Communication
A big part of your role as Network Transport Planner is to regularly liaise with others to ensure smooth operations.

• Answer calls from drivers and customers, resolving their issues and concerns quickly;
• Resolve incoming messages on Contrado from colleagues and customers promptly;
• Send online messages to depots to confirm telephone conversations about any delivery or collection queries;
• Address any issues drivers encounter during their shifts promptly and efficiently;
• Use drivers' local knowledge to identify and understand any recurring issues during runs and improve planning;
• Help your teammates and the General Haulage team with driver debriefs.
   

Updating and Working with Transport Management Systems

• You'll work closely with our team to keep our Transport Management Systems updated by importing orders regularly from 13:00 until 20:15;
• If we have any excess volumes, you'll coordinate with your line manager and the General Haulage team to ensure we have the right vehicles or subcontractors ready;
• You'll also update Contrado and Haultech with any necessary memos and make sure redelivery and return jobs are accurately logged with the correct dates.

About you!

We’re looking for someone who:

• has clear verbal and written communication skills;
• listens actively, asks questions, clarifies points and ensures mutual understanding;
• has great attention to detail, and can identify any improvements that could be made to daily plan;
• has the ability to plan and think strategically, whilst keeping a grip on day-to-day issues;
• is able to prioritise objectives and schedules to make best use of time and resources;
• has a great work ethic and ‘can-do’ attitude;
• is confident and patient.

The successful candidate must:

• have at least 3 years LGV planning experience, preferably with multi-drop planning experience;
• have good geographical knowledge of the local Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire area;
• have knowledge of Drivers’ hours and working time regulations;
• understand road traffic laws, vehicle weights and legal limits;
• understand vehicle costings;
• be computer-literate and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

You get bonus points if you also have knowledge of Operators License obligations, undertakings and regulations!

What’s in it for you?

We're big on progression, innovation, and culture, working to drive our industry forward. Our talented team knows what it takes to deliver exceptional services for our customers, and we want to support them to do this in the best environment possible.

With two floors of bright working and recreational spaces, collaborative meeting areas and ergonomic infrastructure,
we’re confident you’ll find Distribution House a workplace to feel inspired!

Some of the perks you'll find at Browns...

• Regular office and social events
• An extra day off on your birthday
• Discounted gym membership
• Modern office building
• Free company uniform
• Growth and development through funded training programmes
• Opportunity for career growth

Next Steps

Ready to apply?

Hit the button below to send us your CV and get started! Don't forget to include your name and the role you're applying for.