Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Junction Assistant

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

LogisticsTransportationOperationsSupply ChainSafety

🎯 Role Definition

As a Junction Assistant, you are the central point of control for our operational hub, ensuring the seamless and safe flow of vehicles, goods, and personnel. You will be instrumental in maintaining site efficiency, upholding stringent safety standards, and facilitating clear, constant communication between drivers, site staff, and management. This role is the backbone of our daily operations, perfect for a vigilant and detail-oriented professional who excels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is deeply committed to operational excellence and safety compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Operative
  • Security Guard / Gatehouse Officer
  • General Laborer / Banksman

Advancement To:

  • Junction Supervisor / Yard Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Operations Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Dispatch Coordinator
  • Safety Officer
  • Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Actively direct and manage the flow of all incoming and outgoing vehicle traffic, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), delivery vans, and staff cars, to prevent congestion and ensure efficient movement.
  • Operate gatehouse systems and traffic barriers to control access to the site, ensuring only authorized personnel and vehicles are granted entry.
  • Meticulously verify driver credentials, appointment times, delivery manifests, and shipping documentation for accuracy and compliance with security protocols.
  • Liaise directly with drivers to provide clear instructions on routing, designated parking/loading bay assignments, and site-specific safety procedures.
  • Maintain constant, clear communication with warehouse managers, loading teams, and dispatchers via two-way radio or other communication systems to coordinate vehicle movements.
  • Conduct and record systematic checks on inbound and outbound loads, verifying seal numbers and container integrity against official paperwork.
  • Manage and update the vehicle booking and scheduling system in real-time to reflect arrivals, departures, and any delays, ensuring data integrity.
  • Enforce all site Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policies, including the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all individuals in the yard.
  • Act as the first point of contact for all site visitors and drivers, providing a professional and helpful welcome while maintaining firm security standards.
  • Proactively monitor the yard area for potential hazards, obstructions, or unsafe practices, and take immediate corrective action or report issues to a supervisor.
  • Complete detailed shift logs and incident reports, documenting all significant activities, vehicle movements, and any security or safety breaches.
  • Guide reversing vehicles and operate as a banksman in congested areas to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of pedestrians and infrastructure.
  • Manage the allocation of parking spaces for trailers and vehicles, optimizing yard capacity and ensuring emergency access routes remain clear at all times.
  • Conduct pre-operational checks on site equipment such as traffic lights, barriers, and communication devices, reporting any malfunctions promptly.
  • Assist in emergency situations by directing emergency services, facilitating site evacuation, and securing the scene as per established protocols.
  • Perform regular patrols of the site perimeter and yard areas to maintain a visible security presence and identify any potential issues.
  • Issue and collect visitor passes and ensure all non-staff personnel are signed in and out of the premises according to company policy.
  • Ensure all drivers adhere to site speed limits and traffic flow systems designed to maximize safety and efficiency.
  • Coordinate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and haulage companies to resolve any on-site issues related to their drivers or vehicles.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the gatehouse and immediate surrounding areas to ensure a safe and professional working environment.
  • Support the inventory team by accurately recording container and trailer numbers present in the yard at the beginning and end of each shift.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to vehicle turnaround times and yard efficiency.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing frontline insights on operational processes.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for yard management systems.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team for system improvements.
  • Assist with regular safety audits and toolbox talks, providing practical feedback from daily operations.
  • Provide coverage for other administrative or operational roles during breaks or absences as required by management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Yard Management Systems (YMS): Proficiency in using YMS or similar logistics software to manage vehicle flow and appointments.
  • Radio Communication: Competence in operating two-way radios and communicating clearly and concisely using standard protocols.
  • Data Entry & Record Keeping: High level of accuracy in data entry for logs, manifests, and reporting systems.
  • Safety Regulation Knowledge: Strong understanding of health and safety regulations in a transport or industrial setting (e.g., HSE guidelines).
  • Vehicle Marshalling Signals: Knowledge of and ability to execute standard hand signals for directing vehicle movements safely.
  • Basic IT Proficiency: Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and other standard computer software.

Soft Skills

  • Situational Awareness: Exceptional vigilance and the ability to monitor multiple activities simultaneously in a busy environment.
  • Clear Communication: The ability to provide firm, clear, and polite instructions to a diverse range of individuals, including non-native English speakers.
  • Decisiveness Under Pressure: A calm and logical approach to problem-solving and decision-making during high-pressure situations or emergencies.
  • Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating potential conflicts with drivers or visitors while upholding company policy.
  • Reliability & Punctuality: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to being a dependable team member.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in checking paperwork, recording data, and enforcing procedures without error.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Occupational Health & Safety. A banksman or traffic marshal certificate is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a role involving traffic management, logistics coordination, security, or yard operations.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience as a Yard Marshal, Gatehouse Operator, or Traffic Controller in a high-volume distribution center, manufacturing plant, port, or major construction site is highly advantageous.
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