Vehicle Despatch Assistant

Purpose of the Role

To ensure on time and uninterrupted despatching of the client’s vehicles within the UK distribution supply chain network by supporting the Vehicle Distribution team with the preparation and handover of finished vehicles from Production to the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) network.

• Engaging with key stakeholders on production output and quality issues to ensure the distribution plan meets the changing business requirements.
• Collaborating with the LSP network of transport drivers to ensure prompt despatching of vehicles in line with the distribution plan.
• Maintaining and improving best practices for the physical handling of vehicles from production receipt through to handover to LSPs.
• Providing administrative support to the Vehicle Distribution team in the processing of vehicle despatch and shipment booking documentation, including record retention.

Role Dimensions:
Based on site in Woking; Vehicle Despatch area.
Temporary role to run parallel with Production operating schedules, including shift patterns.

Principal Accountabilities

The Vehicle Despatch Assistant will be responsible for:

• Daily interaction with Production and Quality department to assess vehicle output versus the forecasted distribution plan, in order to support vehicle throughout Despatch.
• Inspection of finished vehicles at the point of handover from Production / Quality to the Logistics department to ensure vehicles are suitable for transport.
• Application of vehicle protection products, including fitment of full body covers (where required) to maintain vehicle quality throughout the distribution supply chain.
• Preparation of vehicle handover documentation and associated record retention.
• Conducting external vehicle handovers with LSP transport personnel to agree and accurately record vehicle condition at the point of despatch.
• Auditing of road transporters, LSP personnel and loading operations in accordance with the client’s quality standard.
• Recording and processing vehicle movements on internal IT systems and tracking tools.
• Assisting the Vehicle Distribution team with the processing and archiving of shipment booking documentation, where required.
• Collation of daily despatch activity data to support department performance reviews relating to:
  – Vehicle quality issues
  – Handovers and inspections
  – Transporter and personnel audits
  – Transporter capacity utilisation
• Assisting with reviews of quality standards and operating procedures in relation to vehicle despatch, to ensure current methods represent best practises and are aligned with changing business processes and model variants.
• Supporting the Vehicle Distribution team with development of IT systems where required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience in handling the despatch of finished products, ideally within the automotive industry, is of distinct advantage.
• Ability to engage with and influence key stakeholders to achieve business targets in relation to the distribution plan is essential.
• Confidence with inspecting and preparing finished end products for despatch is essential.
• Knowledge of logistics / export documentation would be beneficial.
• Auditing experience of internal/external processes and networks would be beneficial.
• IT Skills, including MS Office and SAP, are preferable.
• Full UK driving licence is essential

Personal Attributes:

• Thrives in an ever changing and challenging environment.
• Exceptionally organized and takes pride in personal tasks
• Demonstrates high level of commitment to achieving objectives
• Self-confident and highly motivated
• Team player who can also work independently