Traffic Planner
Reports to: Operations Manager
At Panda, we value waste and are seeking a Traffic Planner to support the day‑to‑day running of our collections depot, ensuring efficient driver routes, daily workloads, and safe, compliant operations.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for container deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections across a wide geographical area
* Monitor driver workloads and driver hours, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies
* Communicate clearly with drivers throughout the day, providing instructions, updates and support
* Carry out thorough end‑of‑shift debriefs with drivers
* Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues, confirm bookings, provide ETAs and respond to queries
* Maintain accurate job records and ensure all information is updated correctly on relevant systems
* Respond quickly to operational changes, disruptions or service issues by adapting plans and reallocating resources
* Support transport compliance and SHEQ by promoting safe working practices and following company procedures
* Assist with tracking vehicle performance and utilisation across a large fleet of HGVs and LGVs
* Help improve transport planning processes, route efficiency and customer service delivery
* Support the wider transport and collections team with any reasonable tasks required
About You
We are looking for someone who is organised, confident and able to stay calm in a busy, fast‑paced transport environment.
* Experience in a traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination role
* Experience within waste, logistics, haulage, transport or a similar operational environment
* Good knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements
* Strong organisational and time‑management skills
* The ability to prioritise, adapt and make effective decisions under pressure
* Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with drivers, customers and internal teams
* Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving problems
* Good Microsoft Office skills
* A customer‑focused approach and commitment to delivering a reliable service
* A positive, team‑focused attitude with the ability to multitask in a busy operation
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
* A relevant qualification in transport, logistics or supply chain, such as CPC, NVQ or BTEC
* Familiarity with waste management operations
* Understanding of route planning principles
* Good geographical knowledge of the operating area
* Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements in a transport or depot environment
* Awareness of service‑level expectations in a commercial environment
Equal Opportunity Employment
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve. (DE&I Policy Statement)
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