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

1\) 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).

2\) 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.

3\) 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.

4\) 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

5\) 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.

This listing is from indeed. View original listing ↗