Planning Manager

RecruitedUK; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport services company in Bristol is seeking a Network Planning Manager to lead the design of efficient, customer-focused bus networks. The role involves optimizing routes, integrating electric vehicles, and managing a team. Applicants should have a strong background in network planning, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in planning tools. Benefits include healthcare, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.

Benefits

Health care package

Retail Discounts

Discounted train travel

Cycle to work scheme

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in network planning or transport operations, ideally in a leadership role.
• Strong commercial acumen with cost/benefit analysis skills.
• Proficiency in network planning and timetabling tools or advanced IT literacy.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of planners in designing efficient bus networks using data-driven methods.
• Utilise tools to optimise route performance and integrate electric vehicles.

Skills

Network planning

Communication

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Technical proficiency

Tools

Prospective

Optibus

Job description

Overview

We're looking for a Network Planning Manager to lead the design and development of efficient, customer-focused, and data-driven bus networks across the UK. In this role, you'll lead a team of planners and work with cutting-edge tools to optimise route performance, integrate electric vehicles, and prepare for an exciting future of franchising and smart mobility. If you're passionate about shaping sustainable, community-focused transport services — and want to play a strategic role in the journey ahead — this is the opportunity for you.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of planners in the design and development of bus networks across the UK, focusing on efficiency, customer outcomes, and data-driven decision making.
• Utilise cutting-edge tools to optimise route performance, integrate electric vehicles, and plan for future franchising and smart mobility opportunities.

Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Proven experience in network planning or transport operations, ideally in a leadership role.
• Commercial and Financial Acumen: Strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in cost/benefit analysis. The successful candidate is expected to be highly numerate.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in network planning and timetabling tools (e.g., Prospective, Optibus) is highly desired. Alternatively, an advanced level of IT literacy is a necessity.
• Communication and Influence: Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Leadership and Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Local and Operational Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
• Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high-pressure environment consistently delivering on objectives within the timeframe.
• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e.g., service registration, BODS).
• Understanding of EV Management: Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning is an advantage.
• Public Sector and Partnership Experience: Experience working with or within local authorities or public transport partnerships is desirable.

Benefits

• Health care package
• Retail Discounts
• Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months of service, as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and a chance to buy discounted shares
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Flexible working

Due to the high volume of applications Recruited UK receives, we will make every effort to respond with feedback, although this is not always possible.

If you have not been contacted within 5 days, then unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion, but we may keep your details on file and contact you with future opportunities.

If you feel you meet the above criteria, please apply