Operations & Planning Lead - Tankering

Lanes Group; Worthing; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the utilities sector is seeking an Operations & Planning Lead in Worthing. This pivotal role involves leading high-performing teams, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing service delivery across key metrics. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership, effective communication, and a proactive mindset towards problem-solving.

Benefits

24 days holiday + bank holidays

Health cash plan

Free on-site parking

Pension

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience managing operational or scheduling teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in utilities, drainage, water, or service operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate your team to meet KPIs and exceed expectations.
• Use data to inform resourcing, scheduling, and improvement initiatives.
• Identify process gaps and lead your team through change.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Operational Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data/Reporting Tools

Job description

Operations & Planning Lead – Tankering

Location: Durrington Head Office, Worthing, West Sussex

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: Monday to Friday (37.5 hours/week), plus on-call

Benefits: 24 days holiday + bank holidays, health cash plan, free on-site parking, pension, and a supportive team environment

Be the Driving Force Behind Our Success

Are you a natural leader with a passion for people, performance, and problem-solving? At Lanes Group, we’re looking for an Operations & Planning Lead to join our growing Utilities Division – working on one of our most critical contracts with Southern Water.

This is your opportunity to shape the performance of our reactive scheduling teams, improve systems and processes, and make a genuine impact and coordination for our clients and the communities we serve.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll Lead a High-performing, Multi-functional Planning Team, Overseeing

Reactive Schedulers

Night Schedulers

Regional Coordinators

Team Managers

And your mission? To ensure we deliver outstanding results across key metrics including SLA performance, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and team engagement.

Your Role at a Glance

• Lead with purpose: Manage and motivate your team to meet KPIs and exceed expectations.
• Make smart decisions: Use data to inform resourcing, scheduling, and improvement initiatives.
• Drive consistency: Ensure best practices and policy compliance across all operations.
• Champion improvement: Identify process gaps and lead your team through change with confidence.
• Develop talent: Identify training needs and support growth through coaching, workshops and collaboration.
• Build relationships: Be the key liaison with Southern Water, our field teams, and wider business.
• Manage escalations: Solve issues calmly and effectively, with a customer-first mindset.
• Create a great culture: Foster an inclusive, high-performing team where people feel supported and valued.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and has the leadership and planning experience to match:

• Experience managing operational or scheduling teams
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Confident using Microsoft Office and data/reporting tools
• A proactive, positive attitude with a solutions-focused mindset
• Experience in utilities, drainage, water, or service operations (preferred)
• A full UK driving licence (essential)
  
  

Why Join Lanes Group?

We’re not just another infrastructure company. We’re a team of over 4,000 people committed to leaving a legacy of quality, safety, and excellence – and we’re proud to support some of the UK’s biggest and most essential utilities.

We’re also committed to being a diverse, inclusive and mentally healthy employer – because we believe that we’re Stronger Together.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want to make a real difference, apply today to join a company that values your ideas, supports your growth, and recognises your impact.