Full job descriptionPlanning Manager | Swindon | £65,000 | PermanentThe OpportunityIf you’re looking for an opportunity to shape a brand-new operation, lead a sizeable team, and influence the future of rail freight planning, this is a role that offers genuine strategic impact from day one.
As part of a new regional Service Delivery Centre in Swindon, you’ll lead both the Planning and Rostering teams, bringing together two functions that have historically operated separately and creating a more integrated, efficient, and collaborative approach to service delivery.
This is far more than a traditional planning management role. You’ll have overall responsibility for planning outputs that span from long-term timetable development and industry negotiations through to weekly train plans and traincrew resource allocation. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring freight services are delivered safely, reliably, and cost-effectively while supporting the successful launch of the new Service Delivery Centre.
You’ll be joining at an exciting time of transformation. The business is looking for a leader who can build capability, challenge convention, develop people, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll be trusted to influence how planning and rostering functions operate, while establishing a culture focused on accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
For experienced rail planning leaders looking to take ownership of a critical business function and leave a lasting impact, this is a rare opportunity to help build something from the ground up.
Planning Manager ResponsibilitiesPlanning & Rostering Leadership: Lead the Planning and Rostering teams, ensuring the successful delivery of long-term, short-term, and weekly planning outputs that support customer and operational requirements.
Team Development: Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and strong working relationships across the Service Delivery Centre.
Contractual & Industry Management: Lead negotiations and planning activities relating to track access, timetable development, network changes, and wider industry planning processes.
Operational Improvement: Drive efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and challenge existing processes to improve operational performance and commercial outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Develop strong relationships with customers, Network Rail, operational teams, industry partners, and trade union representatives to support successful service delivery.
Ideal Planning ManagerRail Planning Expertise: Significant experience within train planning, resource planning, rostering, or planning management environments within the rail industry.
Industry & Contractual Knowledge: Strong understanding of Network Code requirements, track access contracts, timetable planning processes, and wider rail industry governance.
Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading large operational teams, developing capability, and driving performance through others.
Change & Continuous Improvement: Comfortable challenging convention, implementing new ways of working, and driving operational efficiencies.
Negotiation & Stakeholder Management: Experience negotiating within regulated or contractual environments and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
People Leadership: Able to engage, inspire, and bring people on a journey while creating a positive, accountable, and high-performing culture.
Location & Working ArrangementsLocation: Swindon
Working Pattern: Site-based, Monday to Friday.
Travel: Occasional travel required for industry meetings, stakeholder engagement, depot visits, and wider business requirements.
Planning Manager SalarySalary: £65,000
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