Workforce Strategy Manager

Freightliner; Crewe; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics operator in the UK is seeking an operational efficiency expert to develop and maintain Activity and Utilisation data. The role involves forecasting, supporting efficiency reporting, and leading workforce planning initiatives. Candidate must have strong analytical skills, expertise in relevant industry practices, and the ability to communicate effectively across departments. This position promises competitive pay and an excellent pension scheme, ensuring a rewarding career within the organization.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Excellent benefits

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of A&U data management.
• Expert knowledge of ASLEF and RMT terms.
• Strong understanding of budget control impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop forecasting tools and KPIs for workforce planning.
• Support operational efficiency reporting.
• Establish effective communication channels across departments.

Skills

Knowledge of industry good practice

Excel proficiency

Understanding of resource disciplines

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Purpose of the Role

There are three main elements to this role: Develop, evolve and maintain Activity and Utilisation (A&U) data that aligns with industry good practice, then using this data to identify areas driving operational inefficiency and developing solutions that feed into strategies to reduce cost to the business. Work in conjunction with the Heavy Haul commercial teams to ensure that operational efficiency data and intelligence is factored into assumptions being made within the tendering process and contractual arrangements agreed with customers.

Develop and maintain a workforce plan that takes account of know workforce variations and allows a 3 year planning horizon.

The role is specifically designed to sit outside of the Resources department to focus on development and delivery of operational efficiencies without the distraction of immediate short term resourcing needs. This role will act as the conduit for driving efficiencies and maximising the resource planning base within Operations.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop forecasting tools, periodical A&U returns, and KPIs so that the costs and impact of recruitment, training, and vacancies are planned and signed of for all functions, and that workforce planning meets the needs of Heavy Haul.;
• Support the development and delivery of operational efficiency reporting for periodic meetings
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels between affected departments, including, but not restricted to, the Resource team, Operations team, Long-term planning team, Short-term planning team, Commercial teams, Finance team and the Engineering department;
• Lead the workforce plan and its control and gain buy in from the operational business
• Challenge existing business protocols with your new initiatives, pro-actively adding value to the business;
• Support and drive good governance and control principles within the position’s remit, identifying any potential deficiencies in controls with recommendations to remediate;
• Get involved in any ad hoc projects, as may be required, from time to time.

Key job requirements

Excellent knowledge of industry good practice relating to establishment calculation and A&U data management Excellent knowledge of Excel and systems used in relation to the resourcing and management of front line operational employees Knowledge and understanding of Driver and Groundstaff terms and conditions High level understanding of all resource disciplines, systems and processes Expert level knowledge of ASLEF and RMT at every level, and proven ability to deliver detail to support agreements whilst also mitigating business risk Excellent appreciation of budget control and impact of those budget through business cases, risk awareness and cost control Commercially astute, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, insightful and influential data manager with the ability to operate at both a strategic and an operational level; Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills - able to analyse data to evaluate options, use facts and data to implement solutions; Ability to identify, initiate and support implementation of required organisational change to optimise business performance; Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff across the Freightliner Group portfolio. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal; Ability to multitask and work well under pressure, prioritising tasks and workload and managing conflicting demands; Ability to navigate complex problems and ensure effective and sound decision making, systematically and under pressure; Ability to build healthy working relationships with business stakeholders while exhibiting independence and objectivity in thought and action; Effective management and delegation with the ability to build trust and motivate a team.

Behavioural Competencies

Exhibits and lives the Group Corporate Values; Demonstrates an ability to translate industry good practice and apply/adapt those principles in line with Freightliner’s needs Attacks goals and objectives with drive, energy and enthusiasm; Proactive approach to work and uses own initiative to implement improvements; Embraces new challenges, is hands on and gets things done; Sets high standards of work for self and those involved in delivery of operational efficiencies, and consistently achieves these; High level of integrity and openness, combined with commitment to good governance; Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation, in pursuit of business growth and success; Leads by example and provides honest and clear leadership that helps drive results; Listens attentively to others’ perspectives and provides constructive feedback and coaching.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.