At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise bus routes, lead service changes, and support strategic network development.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK operator embracing innovative transport technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, health benefits, discounts, and flexible working.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public transport while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in network planning, strong commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About First Bus
Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators?
Join a forward‑thinking company that embraces cutting‑edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles.
We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient.
We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
Due to an internal promotion, we have a fantastic opportunity for a
Network Planning Manager (Scotland & York) , to join our Network team on a full‑time permanent basis. This is a hybrid role and will be based from our Caledonia depot.
Key Responsibilities
- Intelligent
- Network
Design: Design and optimise bus routes and timetables using planning software, ensuring alignment with customer demand, operational constraints, and commercial targets.
- Leading Tactical
- Service
- Change
Activity: Lead the team of Network Planners on tactical service change delivery, contributing to short and medium‑term modifications in response to local authority requests, punctuality issues, or business priorities.
- Strategic
- Network
Development: Support the Head of Network with strategic planning activities, providing local insight and data to inform long‑term network strategies, growth opportunities, and franchising readiness.
- Commercial
- Planning
Alignment: Work closely with the Commercial Director to propose and develop Network plans that aim to deliver against the financial and operational targets of the business.
- Financial Modelling and Forecasting: Lead the local modelling and analysis for forecasting, budgeting, and tender submissions, including B2B and supported service contracts.
- Regulatory Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including service registrations, BODS, roadside publicity, and internal governance processes.
- Cross‑Functional
Leadership: Lead on the local elements of cross‑functional delivery, working closely with Scheduling, Commercial, Operations, Engineering, and external stakeholders to align on timelines, checkpoints, and service changes.
- Stakeholder
- Relationship
Management: Actively engage with local stakeholders, including LTAs, community groups, and internal depots, acting as a trusted and responsive partner for the relevant geographic location.
- Electric Vehicle Integration: Oversee the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the network, ensuring schedules align with charging and operational requirements.
- Operating Rhythm and
- Team
Development: Contribute to a structured operating rhythm, feeding into planning cycles, performance reviews, succession planning, team development and service delivery governance.
Skills / Experience
- Proven experience in network planning or transport operations, ideally in a leadership role.
- Strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in cost/benefit analysis; highly numerate.
- Proficiency in network planning and timetabling tools (e. g. Prospective, Optibus) is highly desired; alternatively, an advanced level of IT literacy is a necessity.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams.
- Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
- Ability to work in a high‑pressure environment consistently delivering on objectives within the timeframe.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e. g. service registration, BODS).
- Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning is an advantage.
- Experience working with or within local authorities or public transport partnerships is desirable.
- Salary and Rewards
Benefits include
- Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you, including cash‑back benefits across optical & dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support, and nutrition and fitness advice.
- EAP provision offering 24‑hour, 365‑day mental health support.
- Discounts on high‑street brands and supermarkets.
- Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service, plus a free bus pass.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and opportunity to buy discounted First Group shares.
- Enhanced maternity / paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Equal Opportunities
Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences.
At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are.
We aspire to an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking, and experiences bring many benefits to our customers, communities, and people.
We welcome applications from all.
We are always looking for skilled and talented people to join us across our sixty‑plus depots from Aberdeen to Truro.
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Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Planning Manager in England
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
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Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
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When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by First Bus Central Services. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Planning Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at First Bus Central Services, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at First Bus Central Services and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into First Bus Central Services. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus Central Services
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at First Bus Central Services.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to First Bus Central Services.
