Smiths Gloucester Limited
Trainee Logistics Coordinator
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Trainee Logistics Coordinator
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
- 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:
- Vehicle type and availability (e.g., artics, rigids, tippers, hookloaders, flatbeds)
- Driver hours and legal compliance
- 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).
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- 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.
- Driver Liaison & Operational Control
- Communicate clearly with drivers on:
- Job details, start times, route/site requirements
- Changes due to traffic, site issues, breakdowns or late loads
- Learn how to manage day-to-day operational issues including:
- failed collections/deliveries
- missed time slots
- on-site refusals
- wait time/detention
- Record issues and actions taken to support investigation, invoicing, and service improvement.
- Compliance & Administration (Supported Learning)
- Assist with accurate completion and filing of operational paperwork, including:
- delivery notes / PODs
- job tickets / consignment notes (where relevant)
- defect reporting logs
- Support compliance processes under supervision, such as:
- driver licence checks / inductions (where applicable)
- tachograph/card downloads and scanning (depending on company process)
- proof of delivery and customer billing support
- Learn the basics of UK transport compliance, including:
- drivers’ hours rules and working time
- vehicle safety checks and defect reporting
- transport documentation standards
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- 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).
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.
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