Planning Manager – Rail Operations Leader

Randstad Cpe London; Swindon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Fantastic final‑salary pension scheme

Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

Ongoing training and development

Life assurance scheme

Job summary

Heavy Haul Rail in Swindon is seeking a Planning Manager to lead train planning and rostering, delivering safe, efficient and customer-focused rail services across the UK. This is a high‑impact leadership role shaping long-term strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

You will drive weekly plans, oversee rostering, and champion improvements to maximise safety, performance and profitability within a dynamic rail environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of freight train operations and railway geography.
• Significant experience in train planning, rostering or a similar rail operations environment.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Understanding of industry planning and rostering processes, including Network Code requirements.
• Knowledge of planning systems such as VoyagerPlan and ITPS.

Responsibilities

• Lead Planning Excellence: oversee train planning and rostering teams; ensure outputs are accurate and timely.
• Drive weekly train and resource plans to maximise performance and profitability.
• Ensure rosters are published on time and meet fatigue and standards.
• Optimise use of traincrew, rolling stock and network capacity to support growth.
• Shape the Future of Our Network: lead timetable planning changes and track access discussions.
• Represent Heavy Haul Rail in industry forums to influence decisions.
• Support strategic planning and major industry change programmes.
• Champion improvements for efficiency and value.

Skills

Train planning

Rostering

Rail operations

Leadership

Network planning

VoyagerPlan & ITPS

Job description

Heavy Haul Rail in Swindon is seeking a Planning Manager to lead train planning and rostering, delivering safe, efficient and customer-focused rail services across the UK. This is a high‑impact leadership role shaping long-term strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

You will drive weekly plans, oversee rostering, and champion improvements to maximise safety, performance and profitability within a dynamic rail environment.