Freight Resource Planner

Colas; Rugby; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in rail services is seeking a Resource Planner to manage staff rosters and ensure the efficient allocation of resources. The role involves working closely with Delivery Managers, overseeing roster management, and supporting operational control efforts to meet customer expectations. Candidates should have expertise in rostering, excellent communication skills, and experience in meeting the challenges of operational environments.

Qualifications

• Holder of a full UK driving license.
• Experience in creating rosters for staff with variable shift patterns.
• Familiarity with Network Rail Online Logistics (NROL) and Train Running Under System TOPS (TRUST).

Responsibilities

• Own and manage staff rosters, ensuring quality and accuracy.
• Liaise with Delivery Managers and Freight Rostering Lead to plan resources.
• Support Operations control with monitoring revised timings.

Skills

Knowledge and experience of general rostering and planning

Strong background in dealing with an operational workforce

Excellent interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Proactive problem-solving

Computer literacy, especially in Excel

Geographical knowledge of the UK

Team player

Decision-making in challenging situations

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

To efficiently allocate the necessary resources for safe, on time and on budget delivery of Colas Rail Freight services. This will be in line with Colas Rail Freight rostering guideline, various staff Terms and Conditions, and according to customer’s orders, including commercial customers and Network Rail Supply Chain Operations. To produce and own staff rosters from creation to delivery, working closely with Freight Delivery Managers on daily basis and under the direction of Freight resourcing lead. To be the point of contact for drivers and ground staff in respective region.

Person Specification

Key Skills:

• Knowledge and experience of general rostering and planning
• Strong background in dealing with an operational work force and creating rosters for staff that work on a variable shift pattern.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with an ability to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Computer literate with experience in using Microsoft Office. Particularly Excel.
• Be assertive and confident when dealing with staff rostering issues.
• Excellent geographical knowledge of the UK.
• Be able to communicate with personnel at all levels
• A proven team player who has the ability to deliver in what could be described as demanding circumstances
• Holder of full UK driving licence
• Knowledge and experience of the requirements to consider staff fatigue when producing rosters.
• Experience in making tough decisions in challenging situations to safely and cost effectively deliver to the customer expectations.
• Familiarity with Network Rail Online Logistics (NROL) and Train Running Under System TOPS (TRUST)

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all rosters are of sufficient quality and accuracy.
• Own and manage the rosters from cradle to grave, dealing with amendments, cancellations or sickness alongside Delivery Managers.
• Reports to Delivery Manager for day to day tasks, and work under direction of Freight Rostering Lead
• Attend weekly meetings with Delivery Managers/Freight Rostering Lead regarding resource plans & work allocation.
• Closely liaise with Delivery Managers/Freight Rostering Lead and work under their instruction to plan route learning, as well as facilitate and maintain route and traction knowledge for all drivers.
• Support Operations control with the monitoring and action of all revised timings and late changes in the same day.
• Liaise with different functions across operations, such as: Business Managers, Engineering, Locomotive Planners.
• Cross cover other resource planners while on annual leave/sickness/company requirement basis.
• Alongside the Rostering team, produce the Weekly Resources schedule to be sent out as a complete, live, working document.
• Monitor allocated drivers and ground staff availability with regards to Rest Periods and Annual Leave. And review and respond to all operational staff absences requests within 7 days.
• Attend meetings as required by the Company (e.g. Weekly Vacancy Call and Rail Services weekly resource call).