Network Planner

Hertfordshire County Council; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council is seeking a Network Planner to join the Passenger Transport team and help develop and manage the county's network of contracted local bus services. This role supports the proposed transition to a franchised operating environment across north and east Hertfordshire, influencing policy and delivering improvements for passengers and communities.

As Network Planner, you will analyse service performance, work with operators and stakeholders, and balance operational needs

Qualifications

• Three years' experience in bus network planning.
• Strong understanding of bus operations, timetable planning and transport scheduling principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and present data to support decision‑making.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience using databases and spreadsheets to manage and analyse information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of bus networks across north and east Hertfordshire in preparation for the proposed franchised operating environment.
• Design and specify local bus and education transport services to support County Council policies and maximise available funding.
• Analyse patronage, revenue, reliability, customer feedback, and wider network performance data to identify and deliver service improvements.
• Develop innovative and evidence-based transport solutions that improve network efficiency and meet passenger needs.
• Maintain accurate contractual, operational, and network information, acting as a central point of intelligence on bus service changes.
• Monitor commercial and contracted bus service developments and assess their impact on the wider network.
• Build strong relationships with operators, local authorities, councillors, and community stakeholders.
• Support responses to customer enquiries and provide professional advice on network planning matters.
• Contribute to the development of ticketing initiatives, fare reviews, and service risk assessments.
• Provide expert advice to the Intalink Partnership on industry developments, funding opportunities, and best practice.

Skills

Bus planning

Data analysis

Timetable planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Problem solving

Public transport

Education

Transport planning qualification

Tools

Database skills

Spreadsheet skills

Job description

Starting Salary: £39,481 progressing to £43,149 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours:37

Contract Type:Fixed Term Contract - October 2028

About the team

Shape the Future of Bus Services in Hertfordshire

Are you passionate about public transport and creating efficient, reliable bus networks? Do you have experience in bus planning, network development, or service scheduling and want to play a key role in transforming local transport?

We're looking for a

Network Planner

to join our Passenger Transport team and help develop and manage Hertfordshire's network of contracted local bus services. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant changes to bus service delivery in the county, supporting the proposed transition to a franchised operating environment across north and east Hertfordshire.

This is a varied and high-profile role, offering the opportunity to influence transport policy, work closely with operators and stakeholders, and deliver tangible improvements for passengers and communities across the county.

About the role

As a Network Planner, you will be responsible for developing and reviewing bus services to ensure they meet the changing needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. You will analyse service performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and help shape future transport provision across Hertfordshire.

Working collaboratively with operators, councillors, local authorities, community groups, and industry partners, you'll play a key role in delivering innovative and sustainable transport solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of bus networks across north and east Hertfordshire in preparation for the proposed franchised operating environment.
• Design and specify local bus and education transport services to support County Council policies and maximise available funding.
• Analyse patronage, revenue, reliability, customer feedback, and wider network performance data to identify and deliver service improvements.
• Develop innovative and evidence-based transport solutions that improve network efficiency and meet passenger needs.
• Maintain accurate contractual, operational, and network information, acting as a central point of intelligence on bus service changes.
• Monitor commercial and contracted bus service developments and assess their impact on the wider network.
• Build strong relationships with operators, local authorities, councillors, and community stakeholders.
• Support responses to customer enquiries and provide professional advice on network planning matters.
• Contribute to the development of ticketing initiatives, fare reviews, and service risk assessments.
• Provide expert advice to the Intalink Partnership on industry developments, funding opportunities, and best practice.

About you

We are looking for someone who is analytical, proactive, and passionate about public transport, with the ability to balance operational requirements, customer needs, and strategic objectives.

• At least three years' experience in bus network planning, commercial bus planning, or a related passenger transport role.
• Strong understanding of bus operations, timetable planning, and transport scheduling principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and present data to support decision‑making.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Experience using databases and spreadsheets to manage and analyse information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Experience working with local authorities or public sector transport organisations.
• Knowledge of bus franchising, procurement, and contract management.
• Relevant qualification in transport planning, geography, engineering, business, or a related discipline.
• Understanding of current challenges and opportunities within the UK bus industry.

Essential Requirements

• At least three years' experience in bus network planning, commercial bus planning, or a related passenger transport role.
• Strong understanding of bus operations, timetable planning, and transport scheduling principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and present data to support decision‑making.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Experience using databases and spreadsheets to manage and analyse information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Desirable

• Experience working with local authorities or public sector transport organisations.
• Knowledge of bus franchising, procurement, and contract management.
• Relevant qualification in transport planning, geography, engineering, business, or a related discipline.
• Understanding of current challenges and opportunities within the UK bus industry.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the future of public transport in Hertfordshire. You'll work on high‑profile projects, collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, and help deliver a modern, sustainable, and passenger‑focused transport network that supports our communities and economic growth.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a

Disability Confident employerand guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).

Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

Interview Date: 23rd November 2026

Benefits of working for us

Job profiles - Community services