At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network planning and development, optimising bus routes and timetables for customer demand.
- Company: Join a dynamic transport company focused on innovation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, hybrid work model, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to integrate electric vehicles into the network and drive sustainable change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local transport while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in network planning or transport operations, with strong leadership skills.
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.
The Network Planning Manager leads the local delivery of network planning and development, managing Network Planners and providing critical insight, data, and modelling to support long-term strategy, service changes, and franchising readiness. Reporting to the Head of Network, the role holder will collaborate cross-functionally and engage with local stakeholders—including LTAs, depots, and community groups, ensuring network plans are operationally viable, customer-focused, and aligned with business performance, budget, and growth objectives.
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.
- 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. The successful candidate is expected to be 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-pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within 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 - competitive, plus up to 15% annual bonus.
Network Planning Manager in Glasgow employer: First Bus
First Bus is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee health and well-being. With comprehensive benefits such as mental health support and discounted travel, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The Norwich & Kings Lynn depots provide unique opportunities for growth and development within a dynamic team environment, making it a rewarding place to build a career in operations management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Planning Manager in Glasgow
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
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
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like First Bus.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
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. 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 Glasgow
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, 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 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. 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
✨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.
✨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.
