Transport Planner

Distribution Planner – Pallet Network Plan smarter. Move more. Make an impact. Every pallet that arrives on time starts with a great plan. At TST Group, our planners are the engine behind the operation: they turn hundreds of daily consignments into routes that work for our customers, our drivers, and our fleet. We're growing, and we're looking for an experienced Distribution Planner to join our pallet distribution team at our Ballymena headquarters. You'll bring proven pallet network experience, take ownership of daily planning, and help raise the performance of the team around you. About TST Group TST Group is an established, award-winning transport and logistics provider delivering haulage, logistics and warehousing solutions across the UK and Ireland with deports in Ballymena (HQ), Birmingham and London. Built on reliability and a strong reputation across the industry, we continue to expand our services and our team. Join us, and you'll be part of a business that invests in its people and backs them to grow. What You'll Be Doing Planning & Optimisation

• Build and deliver daily pallet distribution plans that maximise vehicle fill, route efficiency and service levels
• Balance customer requirements, delivery windows, vehicle capacity and driver hours to create workable, cost-effective plans
• Adapt plans in real time to respond to delays, breakdowns, late freight and last-minute customer changes Performance & Improvement
• Monitor, analyse and report on key operational KPIs such as on-time delivery, vehicle utilisation and cost per pallet
• Spot trends, flag issues early and recommend practical improvements to planning processes People & Communication
• Act as a go-to point of support for the planning team, helping solve problems and make sound operational decisions
• Keep in regular contact with drivers throughout the day, providing clear instructions and support on the road
• Handle customer enquiries professionally, giving proactive updates on deliveries, collections and service issues What You'll Bring Essential
• Proven experience planning within a pallet network or multi-drop distribution environment
• A strong grasp of transport operations, routing, vehicle utilisation and driver hours regulations
• Experience tracking and reporting on operational KPIs
• Confidence using transport management/planning systems and Microsoft Office (particularly Excel)
• Clear, confident communication with customers, drivers and colleagues alike
• The ability to stay calm, think quickly and make good decisions under pressure
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail Desirable
• Experience in a senior or supervisory planning role
• A track record of coaching, mentoring or supporting other planners
• [Experience with specific systems, e.g. Palletline / Pall-Ex / Palletways network systems, or named TMS] What We Offer
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Permanent, full-time role with a stable, growing company
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Staff benefits app with discounts and rewards
• Ongoing training and genuine opportunities for career progression
• A supportive, fast-paced team environment at our Ballymena HQ