Traffic Planner

Location: Leeds
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Net Zero Careers Accelerator

The Net Zero Careers Accelerator (NZCA), delivered by GoodPeople, connects candidates with employers working across the UK's transition to a greener economy. The programme supports opportunities across sustainability, energy efficiency, smart technology, green construction and other areas contributing to the UK's net zero ambitions.

About the Role

A growing business within the waste and resource recovery sector is looking for Traffic Planners to support the day-to-day running of its collections operation.

You will be responsible for planning efficient driver routes, managing workloads, supporting drivers and helping ensure collections and deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time.

The role involves regular communication with drivers, customers and internal teams, with the need to respond quickly to operational changes, service issues and changing priorities.

This would suit an organised and confident transport professional who enjoys working in a busy environment and is comfortable making decisions under pressure.

Important to Know

• Permanent position

• Based in Leeds

• Competitive salary depending on experience

• Experience in traffic planning, transport planning or transport coordination is required

• Waste, logistics, haulage or transport experience is desirable

• Knowledge of driver hours, Working Time Directive and transport compliance requirements is required

• Strong organisational and communication skills are essential

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate efficient daily routes for container deliveries, lifts, exchanges and collections

• Monitor driver workloads and driver hours

• Ensure compliance with legal requirements and company policies

• Communicate clearly with drivers throughout the day

• Provide instructions, updates and operational support

• Carry out thorough end-of-shift driver debriefs

• Liaise with internal teams and customers to resolve service issues

• Confirm bookings and provide ETAs

• Respond to customer queries

• Maintain accurate job records and update relevant systems

• Respond quickly to operational changes and disruptions

• Adapt plans and reallocate resources where required

• Support transport compliance and SHEQ requirements

• Promote safe working practices

• Assist with tracking vehicle performance and utilisation across HGV and LGV fleets

• Identify opportunities to improve route efficiency and transport planning processes

• Support the wider transport and collections team as required

What We're Looking For

• 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 and Working Time Directive requirements

• Understanding of transport compliance

• Strong organisational and time-management skills

• Ability to prioritise and adapt in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to make effective decisions under pressure

• Excellent communication skills

• Confidence communicating with drivers, customers and internal teams

• Strong attention to detail

• Proactive approach to problem solving

• Good Microsoft Office skills

• Customer-focused approach

• Ability to multitask

• Positive, team-focused attitude

Desirable Experience

• CPC, NVQ, BTEC or another relevant transport, logistics or supply chain qualification
• Familiarity with waste management operations
• Understanding of route planning principles
• Good geographical knowledge of the operating area
• Basic knowledge of health and safety within a transport or depot environment
• Awareness of service-level expectations within a commercial environment

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in keeping essential waste and recycling services running efficiently.

You will work within a busy transport operation where effective route planning, communication and problem solving contribute directly to reliable service delivery.