UK Planning Manager

Job Description

To develop and manage an effective operational plan that deploys allocated resources efficiently while ensuring full compliance with Working Time Directive (WTD) and EU Drivers’ Hours legislation. The role is focused on maintaining high levels of customer service, meeting operational KPIs, and continuously improving planning performance across the resource pool.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Resource Management

• Develop and maintain an effective daily and forward resource plan.
• Ensure all plans comply with WTD and EU Drivers’ Hours legislation.
• Allocate drivers and vehicles in line with customer demand and operational priorities.
• Monitor driver hours and availability to balance legal compliance with service delivery requirements.
• Confirm driver start times and resource availability for upcoming shifts.
• Liaise with ESL Central team to optimise resource deployment and maximise revenue coverage.
• Engage with third-party providers and internal teams to identify additional work opportunities.

Operational Support & Systems Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within GTS, ensuring housekeeping is consistently completed.
• Input trailer numbers promptly and accurately.
• Complete Microlise debriefs within specified timeframes and report system errors to the central team.
• Monitor time-lapse and restricted parking reports as required.
• Support agency payroll administration through interaction with Datum.
• Assist with payroll queries where necessary.
• Work across core systems including GTS, Microlise, MyFleet, and MyWorkforce.

Performance & Compliance

• Monitor and escalate WTD or drivers’ hours compliance risks to the Operations team.
• Ensure vehicle compliance in collaboration with the operations function.
• Track and drive improvements in key KPIs such as:
  • Fleet Revenue
  • Revenue per Vehicle
  • Revenue per Hour (RPH)
  • Utilisation / Loaded %
  • PPM (Planned Performance Measures)

Customer Service & Performance

• Plan and review allocated customer work to ensure correct timings and equipment are used.
• Maintain strong communication with ESL Customer Services and drivers to ensure KPI targets are achieved.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve customer service delivery and operational efficiency.

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain regular verbal communication with drivers to complement system-based communication (e.g. Microlise).
• Collaborate with Trackside teams to support vehicle movements and operational planning.
• Provide support at driver/debrief counters when required.
• Assist with European season operations, including driver management and vehicle tracking.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Produce a weekly summary of operational performance with clear actions for improvement.
• Identify and challenge inefficiencies in current processes, proposing solutions to enhance performance.

Qualifications

Essential

• Working knowledge of WTD and EU Drivers’ Hours legislation
• Strong organisational, planning, and multitasking skills
• IT literate, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach

Desirable

• CPC National Qualification
• Experience with GTS, Microlise, MyFleet, and MyWorkforce systems
• Experience in transport/logistics planning or resource management

Additional Information

As part of our drive to make Culina Group a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave – Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 Days plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Company Bonus  – We do our best work to succeed together. When we achieve our goals you'll be rewarded through our bonus scheme 
• Private Medical Cover  – This gives you peace of mind, you have choice, flexibility and speed of access to the most clinically appropriate care via Bupa
• Pension scheme – we want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirement so we offer a great contribution of 5% employee and 8% employer
• Life Assurance -  x4 your annual salary 
• Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year
• Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses
• Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts - via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!