Planning & Performance Manager
Location: Horspath, Oxford (Office Based)
Company: Talboys Utility Services (Oxford) Ltd (TUSO)
Job Type: Full Time | Permanent
Work Hours: 40 hrs/week. Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Salary: Negotiable dependent on experience
About TUSO
Talboys Utility Services (Oxford) Ltd (TUSO) is a leading utility services contractor with over 30 years of experience delivering high-quality water infrastructure services across the Thames Valley.
As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Planning & Performance Manager to lead our Planning Department, drive operational excellence and develop a high-performing team focused on delivering exceptional customer service.
The Role
Reporting to the Compliance and Planning Director, the Planning & Performance Manager is responsible for the leadership, performance and continual development of the Planning Department, managing a team of eight.
This is a senior management position responsible for ensuring operational planning is delivered efficiently, safely and compliantly while driving departmental performance, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement across the business.
This role requires a confident, resilient and emotionally intelligent leader who can build strong relationships, motivate people, challenge performance where necessary and create a culture of accountability and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead and manage the Planning Department, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant delivery of operational planning.
· Develop, coach and inspire a team of planners, creating a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.
· Take ownership of departmental performance, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
· Produce and present monthly contract performance reports and management information.
· Develop and implement planning strategies to improve productivity, resource utilisation and customer service.
· Establish, monitor and continuously improve departmental Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
· Drive compliance with contractual requirements, company procedures and performance standards.
· Ensure streetworks permits, and rectification works are planned and managed.
· Lead weekly planning meetings and contribute to wider operational management meetings.
· Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and development discussions with team members.
· Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.
· Support operational strategy and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and customer outcomes.
About you
You are an experienced leader who understands that exceptional operational performance is achieved through exceptional people.
You will have the confidence to make decisions, challenge poor performance appropriately and support your team to achieve their full potential.
You lead with integrity, consistency and professionalism, balancing empathy with accountability.
Essential Skills & Experience
· Significant people management experience within an operational planning or scheduling environment.
· Previous leadership experience, preferably within the water utility industry.
· Outstanding customer service experience.
· Exceptional leadership skills with proven experience developing successful teams.
· Strong coaching and mentoring abilities.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· High levels of emotional intelligence with the ability to adapt your management style to different situations and individuals.
· A firm but fair leadership approach, capable of setting clear expectations while supporting and developing people.
· The confidence to hold constructive conversations, manage performance and address challenging situations professionally.
· Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
· Experience analysing operational data and producing management reports.
· Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
· Previous experience within the water utility sector.
· Knowledge of Salesforce or other utility workforce management systems.
· Knowledge of Street Manager, Traffic Management and underground utility planning processes.
· Understanding of the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA).
· Experience developing and monitoring KPIs and Service Level Agreements.
· Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification (or equivalent).
What we offer
· Competitive salary based on experience.
· Company pension.
· 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
· Career progression opportunities.
· Supportive and collaborative working environment.
· The opportunity to influence the future direction of a growing and ambitious business.
Why join TUSO
At TUSO, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating an environment where high standards, teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for a leader who combines operational excellence with outstanding people skills, someone who can inspire confidence, build trust, challenge constructively and lead by example.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of our Planning Department, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
