Road Freight Planner - Global Forwarding

Our client is a leading Tier 1 Global Forwarding specialist. They seek an experienced, customer-focused Road Freight Planner in Dammam KSA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively plan, dispatch, and manage the domestic truck lease fleet for export, transit, import, or domestic shipments.
• Receive and process transport orders from customers promptly and efficiently.
• Arrange bookings and secure transporters for shipments in a timely manner.
• Register shipments in the internal system accurately and on time.
• Coordinate loading and offloading schedules with customers and drivers/transporters.
• Facilitate customs clearance using customer-provided documentation.
• Monitor the lease fleet's performance to ensure timely deliveries and maximize fleet utilization.
• Source shipment opportunities with both internal and external customers to optimize fleet utilization.
• Plan and dispatch fleet operations in compliance with Saudi laws, including driving regulations, ban timings, and cargo safety standards.
• Follow up with transporters for proof of delivery (POD) documents.
• Send pre-alerts to customers and destination offices as needed.
• Invoice shipments based on estimates or agreed rate structures.
• Provide cost estimates to customers and sales teams when requested.
• Ensure customer bookings are arranged in accordance with their requirements, collaborating with third-party service providers as needed.
• Process customer and customs documentation within required timeframes, adhering to local customs and trade laws.
• Coordinate cargo movement to meet customer deadlines and expectations.
• Monitor and manage all stakeholders within the supply chain to ensure smooth operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both suppliers and customers.
• Provide customized reports for customers as requested.
• Address and resolve customer issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Support the Head of Road Freight with negotiating and maintaining supplier rates and contracts, as well as implementing new systems or directives.
• Foster and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, customs authorities, and transporters.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of working experience in the road freight industry, specialising in Fleet & Driver Management within Saudi Arabia and GCC traffic.
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field
• Knowledge of the Road Transport market and trends
• Knowledge of Fleet Management and Fleet utilization
• Knowledge of Saudi Regulations towards social and safety regulations for Road Transport
• Experience in Cost and Time Management of Trucks and drivers.
• Experience in dispatching own Fleet within the Saudi and GCC markets.
• Microsoft Office applications
• Good English communication skills – written and spoken, Arabic preferable.
• Interpersonal skills
• Influencing and negotiation skills