Planning Manager

Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as Planning Manager.

Be part of the movement - and play your part.   

About the role  

We are looking for a Planning Manager to lead the integrated planning of terminal operations and ensure the effective allocation of labour, operational equipment and terminal capacity across vessel, yard and cargo activities (HR rostering e operational planning).

You will translate vessel schedules, cargo forecasts and expected workloads into safe, efficient and executable operational plans. Working closely with Operations, Execution Teams, Technical Services and other key stakeholders, you will ensure operational readiness, optimize resource utilization and support reliable service delivery.

This is a key leadership role with a direct impact on terminal productivity, safety, cost performance and customer service.

Key duties

As our Planning Manager, you will:

• Develop and maintain short- and medium-term integrated operational plans based on vessel schedules, cargo forecasts, expected workloads and available terminal capacity.

• Plan and optimize labour, operational equipment, yard capacity and other resources required to support terminal activities.

• Create and maintain staffing and shift requirements in coordination with Operations and the relevant people-planning functions.

• Ensure alignment between vessel, yard, cargo and resource plans, identifying capacity constraints and operational risks at an early stage.

• Act as the key link between planning and execution teams, ensuring clear priorities, operational readiness and effective handovers.

• Monitor daily operations against the approved plan and coordinate timely adjustments when operational requirements change.

• Develop contingency and recovery plans in response to vessel delays, adverse weather, equipment constraints, volume changes or other disruptions.

• Support efficient vessel and cargo turnaround by ensuring the required resources and operational capacity are available at the right time.

• Work closely with Operations and Technical Services to incorporate equipment availability and planned maintenance into operational plans.

• Monitor and analyze key planning and operational KPIs, including plan adherence, labour and equipment utilization, productivity, vessel turnaround, service reliability and cost performance.

• Conduct post-operation reviews, identify the causes of significant deviations and ensure that lessons learned are incorporated into future plans.

• Establish and maintain planning procedures, operational routines, handover standards and escalation processes.

• Collaborate with Operational Excellence and other functions to improve planning processes, digital tools and operational performance.

• Contribute to capacity forecasting, budgeting and continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost optimization and service excellence.

• Ensure that all operational plans comply with applicable health, safety, security and environmental requirements.

• Lead, coach and develop the planning team, promoting accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About you 

We are looking for someone who has:

• At least five years of relevant experience in terminal operations, logistics, transportation, industrial planning or a comparable operational environment.

• Experience in a coordination or leadership role.

• Demonstrable experience in operational planning, workforce and resource allocation, scheduling or capacity planning.

• A strong understanding of the relationship between operational demand, available capacity and resource requirements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound, data-driven decisions.

• The ability to remain effective and establish clear priorities in a fast-paced and changing operational environment.

• Experience in analyzing productivity, resource utilization, service and cost-performance data.

• Strong digital capability and experience using planning, scheduling or Terminal Operating Systems.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel; experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools would be an advantage.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

• The ability to influence decisions and collaborate effectively across functions.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• A clear commitment to safety, accountability, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

• Professional proficiency in both Italian and English.

A degree in engineering, logistics, supply chain, maritime studies, business or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent relevant operational experience will also be considered.

Working at DFDS  

Join the movement and grow with us.

As a valued member of our team, you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping terminal performance and operational excellence. Working in a collaborative and dynamic environment, you will contribute directly to business success while continuing to develop your leadership and planning expertise.

The role is full-time and primarily site-based, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may occasionally be required to support significant operational changes or disruptions. Smart working arrangements may be agreed where compatible with operational responsibilities.

At DFDS, employee wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding working environment through a comprehensive benefits package. This includes access to the Edenred Welfare platform, local corporate discounts across Trieste and dedicated agreements with Trieste Campus.

Our partnership with Serenis, a digital clinic, provides five complimentary sessions with a psychologist, nutritionist or career coach, together with exclusive discounts for family members.

We also encourage an active and social lifestyle through initiatives such as the DFDS SST Run Team.

Your growth matters to us. We believe that development happens primarily through hands-on experience, supported by targeted training opportunities designed to help you succeed and thrive in your role.  

Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now.   

If your personality, skills and experience match this role, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please send us your CV. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are a Gender Equality certified company and an equal opportunity employer. This position is open to all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. The job advertisement is addressed to applicants of all genders in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 198/2006 and Article 10 of Legislative Decree No. 276/2003.