Planning Assistant
Salary: Up to £29,000 per annum | Company Benefits
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | 37.5 hours per week
About Us:
South Staffordshire Water operates across two regions as Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water, and is a privately-owned regulated water only company.
South Staffs Water supplies a population of nearly 1.3 million. The area of supply stretches from the edge of Ashbourne in the North, to Halesowen in the South, and from Burton-on-Trent in the East, to Kinver in the West.
The Role:
We're looking for an organised and proactive Planning Assistant to join our Operations team.
This is a varied administrative and coordination role supporting the planning and scheduling of work across our water network. You'll work closely with operational teams, contractors and colleagues to ensure jobs are accurately prepared, scheduled and communicated.
This role would suit someone with strong administrative skills who enjoys working in a busy environment, managing multiple tasks and helping keep operations running smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
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Support the administration, planning and scheduling of repair and maintenance work.
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Prepare and update work orders, job packs and associated documentation.
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Ensure all required information and utility plans are attached to jobs before work is scheduled.
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Liaise with operational teams, contractors and other stakeholders to coordinate activities.
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Support the arrangement of permits, notices and traffic management requirements.
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Assist with customer communications, including advance warning letters and notifications.
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Maintain accurate records and systems to support operational delivery.
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Monitor and update work schedules, helping to keep jobs on track.
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Produce reports and performance information using Microsoft Office and business systems.
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Build effective working relationships with colleagues, local authorities and external partners.
What You’ll Need:
Essential
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Previous experience in an administrative, coordination, scheduling or planning support role.
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Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
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Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to work.
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Good communication skills with the confidence to work with a range of stakeholders.
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Experience using Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel.
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GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
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A full UK driving licence.
Desirable
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Knowledge of NRSWA/MRSWA or street works processes.
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Experience using systems such as IBM Maximo, Street Manager or similar operational planning systems.
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Experience working within utilities, construction, highways or infrastructure environments.
What You’ll Get:
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Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days
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Financial & Life Assurance: Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options
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Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents
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Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers
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Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities
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Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more
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Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
At South Staffordshire Limited, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies.
We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientations, and physical and neurodiverse abilities.
We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and encourage you to let us know how we can best support you throughout the recruitment process.
