Traffic Planner

Reports to: Operations Manager

At Panda, we value waste. That means finding smarter, safer and more efficient ways to deliver essential waste and recycling services for our customers.

Due to continued growth and future expansion plans, we are looking for a Traffic Planner to join our busy Collections team and support the day-to-day running of our collections depot.

This is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal time as we continue to build a high-performing, fully functioning transport and collections operation capable of supporting a growing customer base and evolving service expectations.

As a Traffic Planner, you will play a key role in planning efficient driver routes, managing daily workloads, supporting drivers, maintaining service standards and ensuring operations run safely, smoothly and compliantly.

You will work closely with drivers, customers and internal teams to keep collections, deliveries, lifts and exchanges moving, resolving issues quickly and helping the department deliver a reliable and professional service.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Traffic Planner, you will:

Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for container deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections across a wide geographical area
Monitor driver workloads and driver hours, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies
Communicate clearly with drivers throughout the day, providing instructions, updates and support
Carry out thorough end-of-shift debriefs with drivers
Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues, confirm bookings, provide ETAs and respond to queries
Maintain accurate job records and ensure all information is updated correctly on relevant systems
Respond quickly to operational changes, disruptions or service issues by adapting plans and reallocating resources
Support transport compliance and SHEQ by promoting safe working practices and following company procedures
Assist with tracking vehicle performance and utilisation across a large fleet of HGVs and LGVs
Help improve transport planning processes, route efficiency and customer service delivery
Support the wider transport and collections team with any reasonable tasks required
About You

We are looking for someone who is organised, confident and able to stay calm in a busy, fast-paced transport environment.

You will ideally have:

Experience in a traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination role
Experience within waste, logistics, haulage, transport or a similar operational environment
Good knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements
Strong organisational and time-management skills
The ability to prioritise, adapt and make effective decisions under pressure
Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with drivers, customers and internal teams
Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving problems
Good Microsoft Office skills
A customer-focused approach and commitment to delivering a reliable service
A positive, team-focused attitude with the ability to multitask in a busy operation
Desirable Experience & Knowledge

The following would be beneficial, but are not essential:

A relevant qualification in transport, logistics or supply chain, such as CPC, NVQ or BTEC
Familiarity with waste management operations
Understanding of route planning principles
Good geographical knowledge of the operating area
Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements in a transport or depot environment
Awareness of service-level expectations in a commercial environment
Why Join Us?

This Traffic Planner role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working at pace, solving operational challenges and playing a key part in keeping essential services running.

You will be joining a growing business at an important stage of development, with the chance to contribute to improved planning, stronger service delivery and the continued success of the transport department.