As one of the largest construction and waste management companies in the South West, Smiths has generations of experience – built on a reputation of trust, excellence and commitment.
Specialising in demolition, construction and asbestos removal; transport and plant hire; skip and commercial waste management.
Who are we?
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.
What we're looking for?
Someone to support the transport planning team in building efficient daily/weekly schedules for drivers and vehicles, ensuring the safe, compliant and cost-effective delivery of road haulage services. The Trainee Logistics Planner will learn end-to-end planning processes, including route planning, job allocation, customer communication, and administration, while developing the skills required to progress into a Transport Coordinator / Planner role.
Responsibilities for the job role:
Key Responsibilities
1) Planning Support & Job Allocation (Training Role)
* Assist planners with daily scheduling of vehicles and drivers to meet customer requirements.
* Learn how to allocate work based on:
o Vehicle type and availability (e.g., artics, rigids, tippers, hookloaders, flatbeds)
o Driver hours and legal compliance
o Collection/delivery time windows, locations and site constraints
* Help maintain the live planning board (TMS, spreadsheets, wall board, etc.) ensuring updates are accurate and timely.
* Monitor and update job progress throughout the day (delays, diversions, re-plans, cancellations).
2) Customer Service & Communication
* Answer incoming calls and emails professionally, acting as a reliable point of contact for customers, drivers, and sites.
* Provide updates on ETAs, PODs, delays, and collection times in line with service standards.
* Log customer requests accurately and escalate issues to the planner/manager when required.
* Support with booking slots, confirming load details, and ensuring instructions are clear.
3) Driver Liaison & Operational Control
* Communicate clearly with drivers on:
o Job details, start times, route/site requirements
o Changes due to traffic, site issues, breakdowns or late loads
* Learn how to manage day-to-day operational issues including:
o failed collections/deliveries
o missed time slots
o on-site refusals
o wait time/detention
* Record issues and actions taken to support investigation, invoicing, and service improvement.
4) Compliance & Administration (Supported Learning)
* Assist with accurate completion and filing of operational paperwork, including:
o delivery notes / PODs
o job tickets / consignment notes (where relevant)
o defect reporting logs
* Support compliance processes under supervision, such as:
o driver licence checks / inductions (where applicable)
o tachograph/card downloads and scanning (depending on company process)
o proof of delivery and customer billing support
* Learn the basics of UK transport compliance, including:
o drivers’ hours rules and working time
o vehicle safety checks and defect reporting
o transport documentation standards
5) Continuous Improvement & Learning
* Take part in structured on-the-job training with regular progress reviews.
* Build competence in planning tools and systems (TMS, Excel, telematics portals, POD apps).
* Contribute ideas to improve planning efficiency, communication, and customer service.
* Demonstrate increasing autonomy over time (e.g., managing a small fleet, customer group, or specific contract lanes).
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What can we offer you?
* Life Assurance Scheme
* Free on-site Parking
* Corporate gym membership discount
* Annual Salary Review
* Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
* Progression opportunities
* 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support
What are our core values?
If these values align with yours you are in the right place!
Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.
Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.
Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.
Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.
Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.
Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.