At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams in operational planning for stations and catering.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a diverse and inclusive railway company.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a generous holiday allowance, and a railway pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced people leader to play a pivotal role in our operational planning function. As Planning Manager in our Preston Resource Centre, you will lead our Stations and Catering Resource Planner teams. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, you will also inspire, motivate and support a committed team in the delivery of exceptional planning outcomes. Working in a fast-paced and highly operational environment, you will ensure workloads are effectively managed with critical deadlines being met. You will act as the central point of contact for coordinating training release across catering and station grades, balancing operational resilience with the development needs of our people. We're looking for a collaborative and influential leader who thrives under pressure and can build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead, develop and inspire the Stations and Catering Resource Planner teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, learning and high performance.
- Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with Trade Union representatives, working collaboratively to understand concerns, develop solutions and support the successful implementation of rostering and resource planning activities.
- Identify and mitigate resource planning risks, escalating issues and implementing solutions to support operational resilience.
- Provide leadership to the Planning team, ensuring the timely delivery of safe, efficient and compliant base and weekly rosters in line with company standards, fatigue policy and terms and conditions.
- Act as a key point of contact for resource planning stakeholders, providing clear communication and influencing outcomes across all levels of the business.
Who We're Looking For:
- Interpersonal Sensitivity: High level of interpersonal sensitivity and excellent interpersonal skills for building relationships at all levels.
- Decision-Making: Ability to make decisions based on information and numerical analysis.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to challenge current strategies and support with evidence.
- Listening: Effective listening skills, prioritising understanding before being understood.
- Leadership: Proven track record in leading teams and managing people and processes.
Benefits:
- Railway pension scheme
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator
At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation. Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use.
Planning Manager in Preston employer: Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and operational excellence in the catering sector. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer continuous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values your contributions. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys the unique advantage of being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge digital systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Preston
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Planning Manager at Avanti West Coast!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Avanti West Coast or be willing to refer you for that Planning Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Avanti West Coast who’s on the lookout for their next Planning Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Planning Manager role at Avanti West Coast!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Avanti West Coast. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Avanti West Coast. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
