Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise bus routes and timetables for efficient service delivery.
- Company: First Bus is a leading transport provider focused on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, discounted travel, health support, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on public transport in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in network or transport planning are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with local stakeholders and contribute to strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
First Bus Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom
Join or sign in to find your next job
Join to apply for the Network Planner role at First Bus
First Bus Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom
4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Network Planner role at First Bus
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Direct message the job poster from First Bus
The First Bus Network CoE is responsible for bus service performance and producing the day-to-day operating plan for our fleet across the UK. Data and route performance analysis is key in managing our service profitability and reliability.
Our core services include designing bus routes and timetables, creating vehicle and driver duties to ensure operational efficiency and complying with regulatory requirements. Using advanced planning systems, the team also prepare contract and tender bids for First, all with the goal of supporting reliable and customer-focused delivery.
Position Summary
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, they balance commercial viability, operational feasibility, and passenger needs. The role involves tactical and strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional coordination to ensure the network supports business goals and regulatory compliance.
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.
- Tactical Service Change Support: Support the Network Planning Manager with tactical service change delivery, contributing to short and medium-term modifications in response to local authority requests, punctuality issues, or business priorities.
- Strategic Network Planning: Support the Network Planning Manager and Head of Network with strategic planning activities, providing local insight and data to inform long-term network strategies, growth opportunities, and franchising readiness.
- Route Profitability Monitoring: Monitoring and reporting on service profitability and driving profitability improvement at route level to relevant stakeholders in the business.
- Financial Evaluations: Support the Network Planning Manager and Head of Network by providing inputs for forecasting, budgeting, and tender submissions, offering accurate modelling and scenario analysis, including for B2B and supported service contracts as required.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including service registrations, BODS, roadside publicity, and internal governance processes.
- Cross Functional Collaboration: Support cross-functional delivery, working closely with Commercial, Operations, Engineering, and external stakeholders to align on timelines, checkpoints, and service changes.
- Local Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with local stakeholders, including LTAs, community groups, and internal depots, acting as a trusted and responsive partner for the relevant geographic location.
- Participating in Network\’s Operating Rhythm: Contribute to a structured operating rhythm, feeding into planning cycles, performance reviews, and service delivery governance.
- General Network Planning Support: Support to the Network Planning Manager for all other reasonable responsibilities, as required.
Skills & Experience
- Analytical and Planning Expertise : Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with experience in network or transport planning.
- Technical Proficiency : Proficiency in network planning software (e.g. Prospective) is desirable
- Commercial Awareness: Commercial acumen and understanding of cost/revenue dynamics in public transport.
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement : Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Local Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
- Regulatory Understanding: Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e.g. service registration, BODS).
- EV Operations: Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning is an advantage.
- Public Sector Experience: Experience working with or within local authorities or public transport partnerships is desirable.
- Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high-pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
- Teamwork and Delivery: Ability to work in a team and meet agreed legislative and internal process timelines.
- Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
- We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
- Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days\’ holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You\’ll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
General Business and Other
-
Industries
Ground Passenger Transportation and Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at First Bus by 2x
Get notified about new Network Planner jobs in Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom .
Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Bristol, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom 1 week ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Network Planner employer: First Bus
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning software mentioned in the job description, such as Prospective. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local transport authorities and community groups to understand their needs and challenges. This will not only enhance your local knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to stakeholder engagement during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on regulatory requirements for bus operations. Being well-versed in compliance issues will show that you are proactive and ready to tackle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. Real-life examples will help illustrate your capabilities and fit for the Network Planner position.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in network or transport planning. Emphasise your analytical skills and any proficiency with planning software, as these are key for the Network Planner role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the role's responsibilities, such as intelligent network design and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet these requirements.
Showcase Local Knowledge: If you have geographical knowledge of the Greater Bristol Area, mention it in your application. This can set you apart as a candidate who understands the local context and community needs.
Highlight Regulatory Understanding: Discuss your familiarity with regulatory requirements for bus operations, such as service registration and compliance processes. This shows that you are prepared to navigate the complexities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Network Planner, strong analytical and data interpretation skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to inform planning decisions or improve service performance in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarity with network planning software is a big plus. If you have experience with tools like Prospective, make sure to highlight this during the interview. Discuss how you've utilised such software to optimise routes or timetables.
✨Engage with Local Knowledge
Having geographical knowledge of the areas you'll be working in can set you apart. Research the Greater Bristol area and be ready to discuss how local factors might influence network planning and service delivery.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential for this role. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders, and be ready to explain how you would approach engaging with local authorities and community groups.
