At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise bus networks to meet customer needs and operational goals.
- Company: Join a leading public transport provider committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, discounts, flexible working, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and engage with local communities for impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public transport while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in network or transport planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Network Planner is responsible for designing and delivering high‑quality, efficient, and customer‑focused bus networks within a defined geographic area. Reporting to the Network Planning Manager, the role balances commercial viability, operational feasibility, and passenger needs. The Network Planner supports tactical and strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross‑functional coordination to ensure the network supports business goals and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and optimise bus routes and timetables using planning software, ensuring alignment with customer demand, operational constraints, and commercial targets.
- Support tactical service change delivery, contributing to short and medium‑term modifications in response to local authority requests, punctuality issues, or business priorities.
- Assist strategic planning activities, providing local insight and data to inform long‑term network strategies, growth opportunities, and franchising readiness.
- Monitor and report on service profitability, driving improvement at route level to relevant stakeholders.
- Provide financial inputs for forecasting, budgeting, and tender submissions, including modelling and scenario analysis for B2B and supported service contracts.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including service registrations, BODS, roadside publicity, and internal governance processes.
- Collaborate across functions, working closely with Commercial, Operations, Engineering, and external stakeholders to align on timelines, checkpoints, and service changes.
- Engage local stakeholders such as LTAs, community groups, and internal depots, acting as a trusted partner for the geographic area.
- Contribute to the structured operating rhythm, feeding into planning cycles, performance reviews, and service delivery governance.
- Provide general network planning support and other reasonable responsibilities as required.
Skills & Experience
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; experience in network or transport planning.
- Technical proficiency in network planning software (e.g., Prospective) desirable.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of cost/revenue dynamics in public transport.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Geographical knowledge of the area of operation and responsibility preferred.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e.g., service registration, BODS).
- Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning advantageous.
- Experience with local authorities or public transport partnerships desirable.
- Ability to perform under pressure in a high‑pressured environment.
- Teamwork skills; ability to meet legislative and internal process timelines.
Rewards and Benefits
- Simply Health & Smart Health for you and dependents at no cost, including cash‑back benefits for optical, dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support, and nutrition/fitness advice.
- 24‑hour, 365‑day mental health support via EAP.
- Discounts on high street brands, supermarkets, and other retailers.
- Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months and free bus pass.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and opportunity to buy discounted First Group shares.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Flexible working arrangements.
Equal Opportunities
Public transport serves everyone, whatever your differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.
Reports to: Network Planning Manager
Location: East & Midlands – Norwich preferred
Network Planner in Norwich employer: First Bus Central Services
At First Bus, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters employee growth. As a Network Planner in the East & Midlands region, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to the design of efficient bus networks that serve our communities. With competitive benefits such as discounted travel and enhanced parental leave, we are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Planner in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network planning is all about collaboration, so don’t hesitate to reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the role. This not only shows your interest but can also give you valuable insider info!
✨Tip Number 2
When you get that interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in network planning before. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare questions for your interviewers! Asking about their current projects or challenges shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Planner in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Network Planner role. Highlight your experience in network or transport planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant software skills you have. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since strong analytical skills are key for this position, include examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Engage with Stakeholders:Communication is crucial in this role, so share any experiences you have working with stakeholders or local authorities. Let us know how you’ve built relationships and collaborated across functions to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus Central Services
✨Know Your Network Planning Software
Familiarise yourself with the network planning software mentioned in the job description, like Prospective. Be ready to discuss how you've used similar tools in the past and how they can help optimise bus routes and timetables.
✨Understand the Local Area
Do your homework on the geographic area you'll be working in. Knowing the local transport dynamics, community needs, and any recent changes in local authority requests will show that you're proactive and engaged.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with various teams and local authorities to ensure the network meets business goals.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your analytical and data interpretation skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve service profitability, as this is crucial for the role of a Network Planner.
