Senior Operations Planning Manager

easyJet; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in low-cost travel is seeking a Senior Operational Planning Manager to lead a dynamic team. This role is pivotal in driving strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and support commercial objectives. You'll collaborate across functions, oversee long-term planning, and utilize data-driven insights to optimize scheduling. Join a vibrant team that values resilience and adaptability, and enjoy a competitive salary, generous bonus potential, and excellent benefits, including flexible working arrangements. If you're ready to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Up to 30% bonus

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

BAYE, SAYE & Performance share schemes

7% pension

Life Assurance

Flexible benefits package

Excellent staff travel benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Strong business planning skills balancing strategic, commercial, and operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operational Planning team and drive high performance.
• Use data insights to develop efficient and resilient schedules.

Skills

Leadership in fast-paced environments

Business planning skills

High proficiency in Excel

Communication skills

Analytical roles experience

Resilient and adaptable mindset

Education

Degree in mathematics or related analytical field

Tools

MS SQL

Job description

We are easyJet – a FTSE-100 listed, £multi-billion low-cost airline that serves tens of millions of customers every year. If you’re reading this, you have probably already been an easyJet customer, and you’ll know that there is no more iconic (or Orange!) travel brand in Europe.

We fly more than 1,000 routes, connecting 35 countries across Europe, and employ over 18,000 colleagues. Our mission is to make low-cost travel easy. Whatever your role here, you’ll connect millions of people to what they love using Europe’s best airline network, great value fares, and friendly service.

Running an operation as large and logistically complex as ours requires a real team effort. Regardless of where you join us, no day will be the same. Our people are energised, positive, inclusive, united by purpose, ready to meet problems head-on, and support each other. We call this our ‘Orange Spirit’—it’s what makes our teams fun and cohesive.

Your Mission:

The Operational Planning team, within the Operations Strategy & Planning function, leads cross-functional planning activities across the operation, especially regarding network and schedule. This role is central to numerous initiatives, driving value across the operation. The Senior Operational Planning Manager is supported by two Managers and a team of analysts and planners.

This role reports to the Head of Operational Planning and ensures the operation can meet strategic commercial objectives while maintaining resilience. It acts as a key link between operational and commercial functions, ensuring planning supports safety, regulatory requirements, operational performance, and cost efficiency. The role also involves leading mid-term planning, including network planning and allocation, especially concerning growth and new jurisdictions.

What Your Day Will Look Like:

• Lead & Develop: Lead the Operational Planning team, nurture talent, and drive high performance.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Oversee long-term fleet and growth plans, ensuring alignment across teams.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Drive operational input into network planning and oversee multi-year scheduling.
• Operational Efficiency: Use data insights to develop schedules that are efficient, resilient, and aligned with commercial goals.
• Governance & Process Improvement: Manage scheduling governance, validate assumptions, and implement improvements.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Develop models and simulations to inform scheduling strategies.
• Technology & Tooling: Improve schedule optimisation by integrating systems and operational data.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Commercial, Maintenance, and Fleet teams to optimise network operations.
• Agility & Resilience: Respond to operational shifts, using past insights to enhance future performance.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• A degree in mathematics or a related analytical field.
• Proven leadership in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Ability to support and inspire a high-performing team.
• Strong business planning skills balancing strategic, commercial, and operational goals.
• High proficiency in Excel and experience with databases like MS SQL.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting complex data to senior stakeholders.
• Experience in analytical roles with process improvement and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of financial budgeting and forecasting.
• Understanding of crew scheduling, establishment drivers, and regulatory constraints.
• Resilient and adaptable mindset to thrive in a dynamic environment.

What You’ll Get in Return:

• Competitive base salary
• Up to 30% bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• BAYE, SAYE & Performance share schemes
• 7% pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible benefits package
• Excellent staff travel benefits

Location & Hours of Work:

This role is full-time and hybrid, with 60% of the time spent at our head office at Luton Airport.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, if you feel you meet enough criteria, we encourage you to apply. Please let us know if you need adjustments or support during the process, and we’ll work with you.

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