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- Tasks: Lead planning and management of engineering access to optimize train services.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, the UK's largest rail network connecting people to work, leisure, and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team that enhances travel experiences and connects communities across Britain.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, negotiation experience, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Planning Manager – Birmingham
CrossCountry, operate more of the countries Rail Network than any other train company. With Cardiff, including Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Southampton, and Edinburgh.
Owned by Arriva, CrossCountry is the most extensive rail network in Britain and the business plays a vital role in connecting tens of thousands of people to work, leisure and education every day. The one Arriva rail purpose is to connect people to opportunities by providing a reliable and friendly train service. So, there is no better time to join us!
Reporting to the Head of Performance & Planning, CrossCountry are recruiting a Planning Manager to ensure financial risk is minimised through optimal revenue and Schedule 8 against Annual Business Plan targets and budgets and oversee delivery of negotiation strategy with NR, FOCs and TOCs with regards to timetable and possession planning.
The successful candidate will oversee the planning and management of engineering access, LTP and STP TTs to ensure the best service is offered to customers.
Principle Responsibilities: (These are not exhaustive)
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Act as the company matter experts in planning and attend Company Council meeting.
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Use KPI reporting and benchmarking to measure processes and outputs and drive improvements
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Continuously develop effective people strategy for planning and access strategy teams to ensure responsiveness to and delivery of strategic business aims
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Develop and oversee delivery of effective communication strategy with NR
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Ensure effective governance processes and meeting structures are in place with NR
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Increase opportunities to collaborate on TT strategy and development to deliver best possible outcomes for revenue and performance
Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training
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Good standard of education
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Leadership skills
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Proven ability to achieve successful outcomes from business-to-business negotiations
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Track record in effective internal and external stakeholder management
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Excellent written communication skills
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Applied understanding of Network Code Part D
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Excellent IT literacy
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Experience of achieving deadlines and maintaining excellent attention to detail
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Proven success in redesigning business processes to implement faster and smarter ways of working
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Track record of building effective working relationships with peers, internal customers and suppliers
Closing date for applications: 4th February 2025 .
We acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.
Planning Manager - Birmingham employer: CrossCountry trains
Contact Detail:
CrossCountry trains Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the rail network and the specific routes that CrossCountry operates. Understanding the intricacies of the network will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of CrossCountry on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations for the Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role involves significant business-to-business negotiations. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to practice articulating your strategies effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and changes in the rail sector, especially regarding timetable and possession planning. This knowledge will be crucial during discussions and will set you apart as a well-informed candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Planning Manager position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the Planning Manager role. Emphasize your leadership skills, negotiation experience, and any relevant project management achievements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your understanding of CrossCountry's mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Mention your experience in stakeholder management and your ability to drive improvements through effective communication.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, be sure to highlight your track record in business-to-business negotiations and your experience with planning and access strategies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at CrossCountry trains
✨Understand the Company and Its Network
Before your interview, make sure to research CrossCountry's extensive rail network. Familiarize yourself with the key routes and services they offer, as well as their mission to connect people to opportunities. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its operations.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves business-to-business negotiations, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated outcomes. Highlight your strategies and the results achieved, as this will illustrate your capability to handle similar situations at CrossCountry.
✨Emphasize Stakeholder Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing internal and external stakeholders. Provide specific examples of how you've built effective working relationships and navigated challenges, as this is crucial for the Planning Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of maintaining excellent attention to detail in this position, prepare to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Share instances where your meticulousness led to successful project outcomes or process improvements.
