National Transport Planning Manager

The role

As our National Transport Planning Manager, you will hold the key to keeping our nationwide transport network moving smoothly, cost-effectively, and safely. Based in the heart of our Transport Team our flagship Distribution Centre in South Elmsall and reporting directly to the General Manager – Transport, your mission is to lead our centralised planning function, shaping the strategy for our mixed fleet of over 180 LGVs and 300 vans, alongside managing complex trunking operations to and from Evri, our Regional Service Centres, and third-party partners. By seamlessly aligning warehouse picking schedules with store deliveries and driver rotas, you will play a truly vital role in ensuring we consistently deliver on our customer promises. At NEXT, we want to set you up for absolute success from day one; you will receive a comprehensive induction tailored to our bespoke systems, alongside dedicated mentorship from senior transport leaders and continuous professional development to help you thrive and drive meaningful change across our retail and online operations.

What you'll take on

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing planning team—including managers and schedule planners—fostering a proactive learning culture, conducting regular one-to-ones, and driving a technical and behavioral skillset upskilling program.
• Oversee the continuous evolution and design of core transport plans, driver rotas for over 800 drivers, and specific peak or Sale events using Paragon and Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Collaborate closely with internal warehousing, fleet, finance, and store teams, as well as external suppliers, to ensure all transport movements balance exceptional service with optimum cost-efficiency.
• Build and maintain open, transparent relationships with senior union representatives and driver teams, communicating work profile changes clearly and collaboratively.
• Cultivate a rigorous safety-first culture across the department, ensuring every single transport route, driver schedule, and operational plan is fully compliant with legal regulations and health and safety standards.
• Analyze mass operational data and audit performance (plan versus actual) to deliver accurate forecasts, manage weekly financial targets, and actively highlight long-term cost-saving opportunities.

What you'll bring

• A proven track record of managing and prioritising complex projects simultaneously within a fast-paced, high-volume logistics or transport planning environment.
• Advanced technical proficiency in multi-depot planning systems (such as Paragon) and a strong operational understanding of Transport Management Systems (TMS), Mainframe, or SiT.
• A forward-thinking mindset with experience in utilising new, innovative technology and AI-driven tools to enhance route optimisation, automate manual processes, and unlock next-level operational efficiencies.
• Natural leadership capability with a passion for developing people, building positive team dynamics, and acting as an 'agent of change' during periods of business evolution.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate clear, professional updates to diverse audiences, from warehouse teams to trade unions.
• Strong analytical and data-interpretation skills, alongside an advanced command of office systems (Microsoft and Google suite), enabling you to transform complex data into actionable operational plans.
• A self-starting attitude, excellent time management, and the resilience to stay highly organised and focused during demanding peak retail periods.

What we can offer

Alongside a competitive salary and the host of benefits shown below, you’ll receive a company car, private medical insurance and an executive share allocation

Benefits