Operations Scheduler

Role overview

Panda is seeking an Operations Scheduler to coordinate waste collection activity so services remain safe, efficient, and on time. This position plays a central part in daily operations by organising routes, supporting drivers, managing schedule changes, and helping ensure customer commitments are met.

You will work across operations, drivers, maintenance, customer service, and sales to keep collections moving, respond quickly to disruptions, and maintain compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Key duties

• Organise, allocate, and fine-tune day-to-day collection routes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Use route planning and optimisation tools while considering traffic, weather, and collection timetables.
• Build and maintain schedules for both residential and commercial collections.
• Make sure routine pickups and special service requests are entered correctly and handled on time.
• Update plans for holidays, vehicle failures, urgent requests, and other operational interruptions.
• Stay in regular contact with drivers to support punctual collections.
• Share route directions, customer-specific instructions, and warnings about hazards or access issues.
• Manage live changes to routes, schedules, and driver activity as the day progresses.
• Serve as a main contact point for customer concerns, missed collections, and service-related issues.
• Coordinate with field teams to resolve complaints and requests promptly and professionally.
• Keep customers updated when delays, changes, or rescheduled services are needed.
• Monitor vehicle movement through GPS and tracking systems.
• Review route progress, driver performance, fuel consumption, and route adherence.
• React quickly to breakdowns, missed pickups, accidents, traffic congestion, or poor weather conditions.
• Reallocate resources or change routes to keep operations running during disruption.
• Support adherence to waste, transport, and environmental regulations.
• Encourage safe working practices and report incidents, accidents, or safety issues.
• Maintain precise records covering routes, collections, fuel usage, maintenance work, and driver hours.
• Support reporting, invoicing, and compliance tasks through accurate data entry.
• Work with operations and maintenance teams to plan servicing and repairs for vehicles.
• Help ensure vehicles are fit for the road, properly equipped, and ready to go out on shift.
• Check vehicle loading so weight limits are not exceeded.
• Coordinate deliveries with transfer stations, landfills, and recycling facilities.
• Partner with sales, customer service, recycling, and hazardous waste teams to meet customer needs and ensure correct waste handling.
• Use dispatch software, GPS tracking tools, communication systems, and mobile applications effectively.
• Support drivers with in-cab technology and mobile app use.
• Attend meetings when needed and represent Panda in a positive, professional manner.

What we’re looking for

• Background in transport coordination, scheduling, route planning, dispatch, logistics, waste operations, or a similar hands-on role.
• Strong planning and organisation skills with the ability to handle several priorities at once.
• Confident communication skills for dealing with drivers, customers, and internal teams.
• High attention to detail and a strong approach to maintaining accurate records.
• A calm, practical mindset and the ability to solve problems in a busy operational setting.
• Comfort using systems, tracking tools, spreadsheets, or dispatch platforms.
• Ability to make sound decisions quickly when priorities or schedules change.
• Customer-focused approach with the ability to manage service issues professionally.
• Understanding of health, safety, compliance, and environmental responsibilities.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to support broader operational needs.

Benefits and employment details

• Competitive pay.
• Permanent full-time employment.
• 20 days of annual leave.
• Training and development support.
• Opportunities to grow your career within Panda.

Additional information

This opportunity is well suited to someone who enjoys solving problems, coordinating people and resources, and contributing to the smooth running of essential services.

It is a practical, fast-moving role where you can have a direct impact on daily operations, customer experience, and overall efficiency.