Senior Transport Planner

About Us

Founded in 2017, ASK4 Couriers has grown from a small, local courier service into a trusted logistics company serving businesses across the UK. Based in Chesterfield in Derbyshire, we specialise in general haulage, curtain-side deliveries, and same-day freight, combining reliability with personal service.

We pride ourselves on supporting our team as much as our customers. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and we value professionalism, commitment, and a strong work ethic. By joining ASK4 Couriers, you’ll be part of a friendly, growing team, with opportunities for training, development, and long-term career growth. At ASK4, we don’t just move goods—we help our customers and our team succeed together.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven individual with excellent knowledge of the courier and logistics sector to join our team as Senior Transport Planner. The successful candidate will be joining our team of 4 Transport Planners as the most senior member and will report into the Operations Manager.

As a fast-growing courier and logistics company, we operate our own dedicated fleet while also utilising a network of sub-contractors to meet nationwide demand. You will be responsible for maximising fleet efficiency, ensuring strict compliance with transport regulations, and driving profitability across both owned and sub-contracted operations.

The role is Monday–Friday, 45 hours per week, all 5 days onsite. Due to the operational nature of logistics, start and finish times may vary, falling typically between 6 AM and 7 PM.

We often have paid overtime opportunities, and breaks are unpaid (30 minutes).

Responsibilities

• Strategic Route Planning – Utilise Delivery Master planning tool to build optimised cost-effective, time-critical collection and delivery routes. • Blended Fleet Management – Allocate jobs across the internal driving team and manage the approved sub-contractor network for seamless service. • Resource Optimisation – Maximise vehicle utilisation, minimise empty running, and meet daily revenue targets for owned fleet resources. • Real-Time Monitoring – Oversee the Delivery Master planning tool, monitor driver progress, handle exceptions, and update ETAs with customers. • Compliance & Safety – Ensure all operations adhere to WTD, EU drivers' hours, and road transport legislation. • Workflow Management – Oversee end-to-end courier operations, from parcel intake to final-mile delivery. • Bottleneck Resolution – Identify and solve logistical obstacles like driver shortages or system failures with a hands-on approach. • Performance Metrics (KPIs) – Track and improve on-time delivery rate, parcel damage rate, and driver productivity. • Fleet Maintenance – Ensure vehicles comply with MOTs, inspections, insurance, and safety regulations. • Fuel & Cost Management – Review fuel consumption and find ways to reduce operating costs. • Hiring & Training – Support the Operations Manager and HR with recruiting, onboarding, and training transport staff and drivers. • Performance Leadership – Assist with defining team KPIs, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a motivated, safe, and collaborative work culture. • Management & Leadership – Deputy for the Operations Manager when required. • Driver Compliance – Enforce legal and safety protocols for company and contractor drivers. • Customer Service Standards – Enforce high service standards and resolve complex customer complaints. • SLA Adherence – Monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for B2B clients. • Audit Procedures – Conduct regular operational and procedural audits. • Health & Safety – Maintain secure, compliant, and hygienic yard and vehicle safety protocols. • Regulatory Compliance – Ensure adherence to local transport regulations, including operator licenses (CPC). • Risk Management – Develop contingency plans for crises such as vehicle accidents, severe weather, or system failures. • Stakeholder Collaboration – Work closely with operations, drivers, and sub-contractors to resolve issues and exceed client SLAs. • Tendering – Draft and win tenders by balancing operational expertise and commercial strategies; bridge the gap between sales and operations. • Continuous Improvement – Proactively evolve operations through software implementation, process optimisation, and staff upskilling. • Reporting – Provide actionable reports to the Operations Manager on KPIs and operational performance.