Transportation Load Planner

Here at Americold Whitchurch, we are now recruiting for a Transport Load Planner to support the efficient running of our transport operation.

As Transport Load Planner, you'll play a key role in supporting the planning and subcontracting activities across our UK transport network. Working closely with the Transport Operations Manager, planners, drivers, and subcontractors, you'll help ensure customer service levels are maintained while delivering cost-effective transport solutions.

What you'll be doing centres on coordinating subcontracted transport activity, building strong relationships with external haulage partners, and supporting the creation of effective night plans. You'll ensure transport systems and operational data are kept up to date and provide regular administration support to the wider transport team.

You'll work alongside planners to identify subcontracting requirements, source external support where required, and ensure margin targets and service expectations are achieved. You'll also support resource planning activities, including arranging agency drivers and helping the team respond to changing operational demands.

Monitoring transport plans and identifying opportunities for improvement will be an important part of the role. You'll communicate effectively with both day and night operations, providing detailed handovers and ensuring key information is shared across teams.

Working collaboratively with Customer Services and other business functions, you'll help deliver a high-quality service to our customers while maintaining compliance with company procedures and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the management of UK subcontractor activity and maintain positive relationships with external transport providers.
• Assist with sourcing subcontracted resource in line with operational requirements.
• Support the achievement of subcontractor margin targets and departmental KPIs.
• Create and maintain accurate night transport plans.
• Monitor and update transport plans in response to changing operational requirements.
• Arrange agency driver cover when required.
• Maintain accurate records across all transport systems and databases.
• Prepare reports and operational information as required by the Transport Management team.
• Provide clear and accurate shift handovers to support night operations.
• Monitor driver feedback and operational performance, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Support the identification of continuous improvement opportunities within the transport function.
• Collaborate closely with the Transport Team, Customer Services team, and wider business functions.
• Provide administrative and operational support across the department as required.

Working Hours

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm with flexibility. 

1 in 7 Saturdays required

1 in 3 Bank Holidays

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience in a transport, logistics, planning, or administrative role would be advantageous.
• Good geographical knowledge of the UK.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach to work.
• Customer-focused mindset with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to learn transport planning systems and processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Americold is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all applicants based on their qualifications, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, or any other characteristic