Senior Operations Planning Manager

easyJet Airline Company PLC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in low-cost travel is seeking a Senior Operations Planning Manager to lead a dynamic team focused on operational resilience and strategic goals. This pivotal role involves collaborating across departments to enhance scheduling efficiency and optimize network operations. You will leverage data-driven strategies to improve operational performance while fostering a high-performing team culture. With a competitive salary and attractive bonus structure, this hybrid position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 30% bonus

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible benefits

Staff travel perks

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in complex operational environments.
• Strong business planning skills balancing strategic and operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Operational Planning team for high performance.
• Oversee long-term fleet and growth plans ensuring alignment across teams.

Skills

Leadership in operational environments

Business planning skills

Proficiency in Excel

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Understanding of crew scheduling

Education

Degree in mathematics or related analytical field

Tools

MS SQL

Job description

Job Description - Senior Operations Planning Manager (15945)

About easyJet

We are easyJet – a FTSE-100 listed, multi-billion-pound low-cost airline serving millions annually. Known for our iconic orange branding, we operate over 1,000 routes across 35 European countries with more than 18,000 employees. Our mission is to make low-cost travel easy, connecting people to what they love with great value fares and friendly service.

Your Role

The Senior Operations Planning Manager leads the Operational Planning team within the Operations Strategy & Planning function, focusing on network and schedule planning. Supported by a team of managers, analysts, and planners, you will ensure operational resilience aligns with strategic commercial goals. You will act as a bridge between operational and commercial teams, supporting safety, regulatory compliance, and operational performance, including mid-term planning and network growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership: Lead and develop the Operational Planning team, fostering talent and high performance.
2. Strategic Workforce Planning: Oversee long-term fleet and growth plans, ensuring alignment across teams.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration: Drive operational input into network planning and oversee multi-year scheduling decisions.
4. Operational Efficiency: Use data insights to create schedules that are resilient, efficient, and aligned with commercial targets.
5. Governance & Improvement: Manage scheduling governance, validate assumptions with data, and implement improvements.
6. Data-Driven Strategies: Develop models and simulations for resilient network scheduling.
7. Technology Enhancement: Improve schedule optimization tools by integrating operational data.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Commercial, Maintenance, and Fleet teams to optimize the network and support operational needs like wet leasing.
9. Adaptability & Resilience: Respond to operational changes, leveraging past insights for future improvements.

Qualifications & Skills

• A degree in mathematics or related analytical field.
• Proven leadership in complex operational environments.
• Ability to inspire and support high-performing teams.
• Strong business planning skills balancing strategic, commercial, and operational goals.
• Proficiency in Excel and databases (e.g., MS SQL).
• Excellent communication skills for presenting data to senior stakeholders.
• Experience in analytical roles with process improvement focus.
• Knowledge of financial budgeting and forecasting.
• Understanding of crew scheduling, regulatory constraints, and establishment drivers.
• Resilient and adaptable mindset for dynamic environments.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive salary and up to 30% bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• BAYE, SAYE, and performance share schemes
• Flexible benefits and staff travel perks

Location & Hours

This is a full-time, hybrid role based at Luton Airport, with 60% team presence required.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage candidates who meet most criteria to apply. Support and adjustments are available during recruitment upon request.

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