Job Introduction
Transport Operations Assistant 6-month FTC
Salary £25,000 - £26,000
FT – 35 hours per week
Shift Pattern – Monday to Friday with occasional weekend/after-hours on-call duties *
Full-time office-based
We are looking for a motivated and organised Transport Operations Assistant to join our Transport Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level or graduate candidate looking to build a career within transport, logistics, and operations. You will play an important support role across our Planning, Delivery, and Support functions, helping to coordinate efficient and cost-effective transport journeys while delivering excellent customer service.
This role offers exposure to all areas of transport operations and the wider travel and logistics industry, providing an excellent foundation for future career development. Working closely with planning, delivery, and support teams, you will communicate confidently with colleagues, customers, and third-party suppliers by phone and email to help 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. Basic Excel skills and confidence working with data would be beneficial, but a willingness to learn and develop new skills is more important. You will help support 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 within 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 may already have some experience in an administrative, customer service or operational support role, although this is not essential. We are looking for someone who is organised, customer-focused and eager to learn, with a positive attitude and the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will demonstrate:
9. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel, with confidence using data and a willingness to develop your skills further
10. Strong administrative and organisational skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
11. The ability to manage priorities effectively and work well under pressure in a busy operational environment
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a confident and professional telephone manner
13. A proactive and adaptable approach, with a willingness to learn and respond positively to change
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. Previous experience within a transport, logistics or operational 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
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