Planning Manager

RecruitedUK; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport service provider in the UK is seeking a Network Planning Manager to lead the design and development of efficient, customer-focused bus networks. You will manage a team to optimize route performance and implement electric vehicles. Ideal candidates will have proven network planning experience and leadership skills. Benefits include healthcare packages, discounts, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Health care package

Retail Discounts

Discounted train travel for family

Cycle to work scheme

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme and discounted shares

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in network planning or transport operations, ideally in a leadership role.
• Strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in cost/benefit analysis.
• Proficiency in network planning and timetabling tools is highly desired.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment consistently delivering on objectives.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations is necessary.
• Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning is an advantage.
• Experience working with or within local authorities or public transport partnerships is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of planners to design and develop UK-wide bus networks.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to optimise route performance.
• Explore and implement integration of electric vehicles within networks.
• Prepare for franchising and smart mobility solutions.

Tools

Network planning and timetabling tools (e.g., 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 to design and develop UK-wide bus networks that are efficient, data-driven, and customer-focused.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to optimise route performance and service reliability.
• Explore and implement integration of electric vehicles within networks.
• Prepare for the future of franchising and smart mobility solutions.

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.

You Will Receive

• 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

Application Note

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.