Job Introduction
Transport Operations Assistant 6-month FTC
Salary £25,000 - £26,000 pro rata
6-month FTC with potential for Extension or Permanency
Monday to Friday with occasional weekend/ after hours on-call duties *
Full-time office-based
We are seeking a highly organised and analytical Transport Planning & Operations Assistant to join our Transport Team. This is a key support role within our Planning, Delivery and Support functions, ensuring the smooth coordination of cost-effective and efficient transport journeys in line with our business rules and customer service standards.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience across all areas of transport operations and the wider travel and logistics industry, providing a strong foundation for a career in this field. You will work closely with planning, delivery and support teams, communicating confidently with colleagues, customers and third-party suppliers both by phone and email to ensure every journey runs smoothly.
You will be joining a passionate and dedicated team that is committed to delivering excellent service while maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment. With strong Excel and data analysis skills, you will help ensure accurate planning, responsive decision-making and the consistent delivery of an outstanding customer experience.
* Due to the nature of the role and because the operational team operates 24/7 from our offices, occasional flexible shift patterns will be a requirement. Candidates will need to be in a commutable distance to Crawley, there could be the odd occasion when you can work from home, but the majority of shifts will be from our office base.
Role Responsibility
1. Maintain and administer master route planning data, ensuring all systems and databases are accurate and up to date to support effective journey delivery.
2. Support Transport Planners and the Team Leader in producing cost-effective and efficient journey plans in line with business rules and service standards.
3. Manage operational changes and queries (including amendments, cancellations and customer requirements), ensuring routing efficiency and driver compliance are maintained.
4. Monitor flights, traffic and weather conditions, adapting transport plans in real time to accommodate last-minute changes and ensure smooth driver coordination.
5. Communicate effectively with customers, drivers, colleagues and third-party suppliers, providing clear information on pick-ups, mobility, luggage and journey arrangements.
6. Produce and maintain journey documentation and reporting, including customer pick-up times, overall mileages and data required for internal budget tracking.
7. Handle inbound and outbound calls, resolving customer and supplier queries with a strong focus on delivering exceptional service.
8. Work collaboratively across the wider transport operation, meeting daily, weekly and monthly deadlines while maintaining clear and cohesive communication across teams.
The Ideal Candidate
You will have already gained experience in an administrative and/or customer service-based role, ideally within a fast-paced operational environment. You are customer-focused, adaptable and energised by working collaboratively with others, thriving in a role where planning, delivery and support teams work closely together to achieve shared outcomes.
You will demonstrate:
9. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel, with the ability to analyse and consolidate data
10. Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
11. The ability to prioritise effectively, exercise sound judgement and meet tight deadlines
12. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a confident and professional telephone manner
13. A proactive and adaptable approach, responding positively to change in a dynamic operational environment
14. A positive, collaborative mindset with a genuine commitment to delivering excellent customer service
Desirable (but not essential):
15. Geographical knowledge of the UK road network and postcode areas
16. Experience within a Transport or logistics environment
Saga Values: Make it Happen, Do the Right Thing, Customer First, Excellence Every Day, Our People Make Us Special
Package Description
At Saga we recognise that our people make us special. We believe our colleagues deserve rewards for the excellence they demonstrate every single day, that's why we have put together an amazing benefits package for all colleagues.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR THIS ROLE:
17. 25 days holiday + bank holidays (pro-rated for 6-month FTC)
18. Option to purchase additional leave - 5 extra days
19. Pension scheme matched up to 10%
20. Company performance related annual bonus - Up to 5%
21. Life assurance policy on joining us, 4 x salary
22. Wellbeing programme
23. Colleague discounts including family discounts on cruises, holidays and insurance
24. Range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
25. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
26. Grandparents leave
27. Income protection
28. Access to Saga Academy, our bespoke learning platform