Exploring the Intricate Web of Job Roles in the Transport and Supply Chain Industry.
Beyond the drivers on the road, there exists a complex web of job roles that make the world of road transportation and logistics function seamlessly.
From warehouse managers to truck hygienists, each professional plays a vital part to ensure the safe and timely movement of the goods we all use.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in transport and supply chain, or simply curious about the industry, this guide will provide insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes of such a vital industry.
Please note this is based on a typical manufacturing supply chain; this list is not exhaustive, as the industry is diverse and continually evolving.
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) Driver
A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver is a qualified professional who operates large commercial vehicles to transport goods between locations.
Their main responsibility is to drive goods locally, nationally, or internationally.
Their roles and responsibilities, however, go far beyond that to also include vehicle safety and compliance checks, administrative duties, and supervising of loading and unloading, among other vital activities.
Van Driver
Is responsible for transporting goods or materials using a van or small delivery vehicle. It is very similar to HGV driver’s duties but typically involves handling smaller loads and operating vehicles with a lower weight capacity, focusing on local or regional deliveries rather than long-haul transportation.
Courier
Couriers are individuals or companies that transport packages and documents from senders to recipients, often in a D2C (Direct to Consumer) model.
Transport Planner
Coordinates transport routes and schedules, designing efficient transport networks, optimising routes, and coordinating the movement of goods or people to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness, whilst ensuring driver hours are adhered to.
Some companies may also have a Backload Planner, who optimises the utilisation of empty vehicles by seeking and planning return loads for each vehicle.
Fleet Coordinator
Manages and coordinates the activities of a fleet of vehicles. Their main tasks include overseeing vehicle maintenance, scheduling repairs, managing fuel consumption, monitoring driver performance, coordinating vehicle assignments, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Traffic Operator or Transport Operator
Oversees the coordination and management of transportation activities. They liaise with drivers, assign them specific routes or runs, conduct debriefings after trips, and monitor daily traffic flows to ensure smooth and timely movement of goods, making necessary adjustments to routes as needed.
Traffic Planner
Monitors daily traffic flows to ensure efficient movement of goods and minimal delays on planned routes, altering and updating journeys if necessary.
Demand Planner
Analyses historical data, market trends, and customer insights to forecast and anticipate future product demand, enabling effective inventory management and ensuring timely fulfilment of customer orders while minimising stockouts and excess inventory.
Supply Planner
Is responsible for coordinating the procurement and allocation of materials, optimising inventory levels, and ensuring the timely availability of resources to meet demand, thereby maintaining a smooth and efficient supply chain.
Procurement Managers, Distribution Managers, Supply Chain Coordinators, Reverse Logistics Coordinators and Route Planners are also among the many, many planner roles that could be hired within a supply chain.
Logistics Manager
Manages and coordinates all logistical activities, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.
Warehouse Manager
Is responsible for overseeing the operations of a warehouse, including inventory management, storage, and distribution of goods, as well as supervising warehouse personnel and ensuring efficient workflows to meet customer demands and maintain inventory accuracy.
Warehouse Operative
Is responsible for the efficient handling of goods in a warehouse, which includes receiving, storing, and dispatching items while maintaining accurate inventory records. They are also involved in picking and loading/unloading vehicles, ensuring proper handling, and maintaining efficient warehouse operations.
Pallet Movement Supervisor
Is responsible for overseeing the movement and management of pallets within a warehouse or distribution centre. They ensure efficient utilisation of pallets, monitor inventory levels, coordinate pallet transfers, and maintain accurate records
Customs Agent
Manages the import and export process, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, completing the necessary documentation, calculating duties and taxes, and coordinating with government authorities on behalf of importers and exporters.
Importers and Exporters
Manage the process of sourcing products from (importers) or selling products to (exporters) international markets. Including handling logistics, customs clearance, documentation, and compliance with trade regulations.
Engineer
A Vehicle Engineer is involved in the design, development, and maintenance of vehicles. Ensuring their reliability, safety, and efficiency. They may work on improving vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, vehicle capacity, and integrating technological advancements to support the smooth operation of the logistics and supply chain process.
Compliance Coordinator
Is responsible for monitoring and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. Their duties include conducting audits, developing compliance procedures, providing training, and implementing corrective actions to maintain compliance across various aspects of their business.
Truck Hygienist & Wash Operative
Cleans and sanitises trucks and trailers to maintain hygiene and compliance standards. Their duties may include washing, sanitising, and decontaminating surfaces, performing quality checks, and following hygiene protocols to ensure the proper condition and cleanliness of vehicles and equipment used in supply chain operations.
Health and Safety Coordinator
Is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Their duties include implementing safety protocols, conducting risk assessments, providing training, investigating incidents, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in line with certain accreditations such as the BRC, to protect the well-being of employees and mitigate workplace hazards.
Commercial Supply Chain Manager
Is responsible for overseeing and managing the end-to-end supply chain processes with a focus on commercial aspects such as sales, customer relations, and business growth. Their duties include strategy development, contract negotiation, sales forecasting, vendor management, and ensuring profitability and customer satisfaction.
Buyer
A Buyer in the supply chain and logistics industry is responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and services required by the organisation, negotiating with suppliers, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of materials to support operational needs and maintain inventory levels.
Production Planner
Is responsible for developing production schedules, coordinating resources, and ensuring timely manufacturing and delivery of goods.
Supply Chain Analyst
Is responsible for analysing and optimising supply chain operations by gathering and evaluating data, identifying trends, and providing insights to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance.
Supply Chain Technician
Is responsible for supporting various aspects of supply chain operations, including inventory management, order processing, data analysis, and coordination with suppliers and customers. Their duties may involve monitoring stock levels, resolving logistical issues, implementing technology solutions, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and information throughout the supply chain.
