Route Planner (Temporary)
The Best Connection Recruiting - on behalf of a leading Builders Merchants
Walsall
Temporary: 4-8 Weeks
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About the Company
Our client is one of the Midlands' leading suppliers of building, landscaping, civil, and DIY materials.
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The Opportunity
The Best Connection are recruiting for a Route Planner to join a busy transport team at their Walsall branch on a temporary basis (4-8 weeks).
This is a fast-paced and varied role, where you will play a key part in ensuring the efficiency of transport operations and supporting overall branch performance.
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Key Responsibilities
Transport & Planning Duties
* Coordinate daily delivery schedules for branch vehicles, including HGVs with HIAB cranes
* Liaise with depot managers to ensure efficient inter-branch planning
* Work closely with yard staff to ensure correct loading of vehicles
* Manage routing to maximise delivery efficiency and vehicle capacity
* Monitor dispatch of all deliveries from the yard
* Organise inter-branch stock transfers
Administration & Coordination
* Maintain accurate transport paperwork and filing systems
* Assist with driver holiday/absence planning and adjust schedules accordingly
* Balance yard and warehouse workloads to ensure timely vehicle loading
⚠️ Problem Solving & Customer Service
* Handle delivery-related customer queries and complaints professionally
* Manage vehicle breakdowns and arrange repairs with external providers
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Compliance Responsibilities
* Ensure all transport activities comply with:
o Road Transport Directive
o Working Time Directive (WTD)
o Drivers' Hours Regulations
* Maintain awareness of VOSA regulations
* Support vehicle defect reporting and repair coordination
* Oversee required inspections (6-weekly checks, LOLER inspections, etc.)
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Key Skills & Experience
* Previous experience in a logistics or route planning environment
* Strong knowledge of the West Midlands geography (Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley - wider regions desirable)
* Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
* Ability to work effectively in a busy transport environment
* Strong communication skills with a customer-focused approach
* Good level of computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Excel
Desirable (but not essential):
* CPC qualification
* Experience with HIAB vehicles
* Knowledge of routing software
* Understanding of building materials and load planning
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Personal Qualities
* High levels of energy, drive, and attention to detail
* Ability to prioritise workloads effectively
* Team player with a proactive attitude
* Confident decision-maker in a fast-paced environment
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Apply Today
If you're an experienced Route Planner looking for your next opportunity in a dynamic and supportive environment, we want to hear from you.
Apply now with The Best Connection Recruiting to be considered for this position.
The Best Connection is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.