At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive smarter workforce decisions and improve productivity across multiple sites.
- Company: Join a leading service provider delivering essential frontline services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, autonomy, and opportunities for impactful contributions.
- Why this job: Be part of a modern, data-driven culture shaping labour deployment across hundreds of sites.
- Qualifications: Experience in labour optimisation or workforce planning in fast-paced environments is essential.
- Other info: Public sector experience is a bonus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about deploying labour more effectively, improving frontline productivity, and making data work for operations? We’re hiring a Lead Labour Optimisation Business Partner to drive smarter workforce decisions across a large-scale, multi-site service environment. This is a high-impact role working with Finance, HR, and Operations to shape how labour is deployed in catering and cleaning contracts — helping to deliver exceptional service and measurable cost efficiencies.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Partnering with operational and site leaders to improve labour productivity and resourcing decisions.
- Using data insights to plan and advise on resource deployment — ensuring the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
- Leading labour optimisation initiatives, reporting performance trends, and spotting opportunities for improvement.
- Acting as a key link between finance, ops, and HR to ensure workforce strategy aligns with service delivery needs.
- Supporting and coaching frontline teams on effective shift planning and labour management practices.
- Playing a lead role in continuous improvement, change initiatives, and the development of labour models and tooling.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in labour optimisation, workforce planning, or WFM in a fast-paced, shift-based environment (e.g. cleaning, catering, facilities, logistics, or retail).
- Confident using data to influence operational decisions — ideally familiar with Excel or workforce systems like Infor, Kronos, or similar.
- Comfortable engaging with site managers and senior stakeholders to drive performance.
- Strong commercial understanding of productivity, budgeting, and labour efficiency.
- A proactive, hands-on style — someone who can both analyse and implement.
- Public sector, defence, or contract service experience is a bonus, but not essential.
Why Apply?
- Join a business delivering critical frontline services across the UK.
- Be part of a modern, data-driven operational culture.
- Shape and lead how labour is deployed across hundreds of sites.
- Enjoy flexible hybrid working, autonomy, and a clear path for impact.
Apply now to take the lead on workforce efficiency across one of the UK’s most respected service providers.
Workforce Planning Manager employer: SF Technology Solutions
Contact Detail:
SF Technology Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Workforce Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific workforce management systems mentioned in the job description, like Infor or Kronos. Having a solid understanding of these tools will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the labour optimisation and workforce planning fields. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, which can significantly enhance your chances of landing the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to influence operational decisions in past roles. Being able to articulate your experience with measurable outcomes will showcase your ability to drive performance in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current workforce strategies and any recent initiatives they’ve undertaken. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Workforce Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in labour optimisation and workforce planning. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to improve productivity and make data-driven decisions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for deploying labour effectively and improving frontline productivity. Mention how your skills align with the job requirements and provide examples of how you've successfully influenced operational decisions using data.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency with tools like Excel or workforce management systems such as Infor or Kronos. Make sure to mention any experience you have with engaging site managers and senior stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any previous roles where you played a key part in continuous improvement or change initiatives. Highlight your proactive approach and how you’ve developed labour models or tooling to enhance efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Technology Solutions
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role heavily relies on data insights, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like Excel or workforce systems. Bring examples of how you've used data to influence operational decisions in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and the specific challenges they face in labour optimisation. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of how effective workforce planning can impact service delivery and cost efficiencies.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you improved productivity or resolved staffing issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role requires collaboration with various departments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with site managers and senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to drive performance through teamwork.