Traffic Planner

Location: Southampton
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturdays

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Traffic Planner to join a busy and growing transport operation based in Southampton. This role is ideal for a transport professional with a strong background in container logistics, vehicle routing, and operational planning who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

The Role

You will be responsible for coordinating and optimising the daily movement of container vehicles, ensuring excellent customer service while maximising fleet efficiency and maintaining full compliance with transport regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and routing container vehicles across the UK.
• Allocating work to both day and tramper drivers.
• Ensuring deliveries are completed on time and to customer expectations.
• Managing driver schedules in line with Working Time Directive and Drivers' Hours regulations.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with drivers, customers, and key stakeholders.
• Planning fleet availability to accommodate servicing and maintenance requirements.
• Identifying opportunities to maximise vehicle utilisation, improve efficiency, and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Ensuring all operations are conducted in line with company procedures and industry compliance standards.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience in HGV planning, routing, or transport operations.
• Knowledge of UK container port systems other Vehicle Booking Systems (VBS).
• A solid understanding of drivers' hours and transport legislation.
• Strong geographical knowledge of the UK road network.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The confidence to challenge poor practice and maintain operational standards.
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Good commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of TOPS traffic management software would be advantageous.
• A Transport Manager CPC qualification would be beneficial but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary.
• Company pension scheme.
• On-site parking.
• Supportive and friendly team environment.
• Opportunity to join a well-established transport operation with long-term career prospects.

If you're an experienced transport professional looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.