We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced people leader to play a pivotal role in our operational planning function. As Planning Manager in our Preston Resource Centre, you will lead our Stations and Catering Resource Planner teams. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, you will also inspire, motivate and support a committed team in the delivery of exceptional planning outcomes.
Working in a fast-paced and highly operational environment, you will ensure workloads are effectively managed with critical deadlines being met. You will act as the central point of contact for coordinating training release across catering and station grades, balancing operational resilience with the development needs of our people.
We're looking for a collaborative and influential leader who thrives under pressure and can build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
Key Accountabilities:
Lead, develop and inspire the Stations and Catering Resource Planner teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, learning and high performance. Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with Trade Union representatives, working collaboratively to understand concerns, develop solutions and support the successful implementation of rostering and resource planning activities.
Identify and mitigate resource planning risks, escalating issues and implementing solutions to support operational resilience. Provide leadership to the Planning team, ensuring the timely delivery of safe, efficient and compliant base and weekly rosters in line with company standards, fatigue policy and terms and conditions.
- Act as a key point of contact for resource planning stakeholders, providing clear communication and influencing outcomes across all levels of the business.
Who We're Looking For:
- Interpersonal Sensitivity: High level of interpersonal sensitivity and excellent interpersonal skills for building relationships at all levels.
- Decision-Making: Ability to make decisions based on information and numerical analysis.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to challenge current strategies and support with evidence
- Listening: Effective listening skills, prioritising understanding before being understood.
- Leadership: Proven track record in leading teams and managing people and processes.
Please see the attached role profile for detailed information about this role.
Benefits:
- Railway pension scheme
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator
At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation.
Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use.
