Backhaul Assistant

About the roleTo support the Distribution Backhaul Manager with bookings, reporting and invoicing. Help maintain current Backhaul and trunking operation as well as provide analytical support for both a Backhaul and Consolidation perspective for Waitrose Primary.

To act as a support function for the wider Primary team with administrative tasks relating to reporting and data entry, claims and Consolidation invoicing.

At a glance

Salary range - For this role the salary starts from £25,300 - £31,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience

Contract type - This is up to a 9 month Fixed-term Contract, internally known as a Secondment.

Work Pattern - 35 hours per week: 

• Monday to Friday: 07.30-15.30 with flexibility, with an expectation for Out of Hours rota cover when adequately trained

Location - Bracknell (West Warehouse) - 3rd Floor, West Warehouse

Doncastle Road, Bracknell RG12 8YA

About the role

Supporting the Day to Day management of existing Backhaul and internal trunking operation

• Working closely with the Distribution Backhaul Manager to support the existing operation

• Liaising with Transport Offices

• Liaising with Suppliers

Supporting the delivery and setup of new Backhaul and internal trunking business

• Working closely with the Distribution Backhaul Manager to support new backhaul setup

Maintaining financial aspects of the department

• Financial reporting

• Supplier Invoicing

• Invoice Queries

• Month End reporting

• Financial system uploads and receipting

Partaking in the out of hours on-call rota to support the Primary Inbound Operation

• Being on standby to answer phone calls from hauliers/depots regarding inbound issues

• Calling the depots to check inbound times & completion of loads for Wave 1.

• Email Inbound Updates to Primary Team, Stock Control daily and to the Depots as needed.

You also can view a copy of the full job outline here:

External applications - please see attachment

Internal applicants- please use the link below

Qualifications and Experience skills you’ll need

• Proven Organisational Expertise:

Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving and agile environment.

• Analytical Experience:

Can display the ability to analyse data and provide actionable insights to support business decisions.

• Relationship Management:

History of building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to promote collaboration and successful outcomes.

• Financial Background:

Direct experience with cost analysis and financial reporting.

• Industry Knowledge:

Experience working in logistics, transport, supply chain, or commercial operations.

• Advanced Excel Experience:

Practical application of Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis for reporting and decision-making.

Desirable skills

• Negotiation Experience:

Practical experience negotiating contracts, supplier agreements, and resolving disputes to ensure favourable outcomes.

• Financial Systems:

Experience of using financial systems e.g. Coupa, Oracle

Next Steps 

The application form consists of a CV upload followed by application questions. Please ensure you refresh the page each time you complete a task to ensure you complete everything that you need to in time. (If internal, check your Workday notifications and see further guidance on the PDW under "Internal application process"). 

We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we recommend you apply early.

You'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you. 

About The Partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note:

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting. If required, you’ll find out more about vetting throughout the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays.

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.