Planning Manager in Norwich

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Location: East – Norwich or Chelmsford, Hybrid role

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 prepares contract and tender bids for First, all with the goal of supporting reliable and customer-focused delivery.

Position Summary

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—to ensure 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.

Skills & Experience

• Industry Experience: Proven experience in network planning or transport operations, ideally in a leadership role.
• Commercial and Financial Acumen: Strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in cost/benefit analysis. The successful candidate is expected to be highly numerate.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in network planning and timetabling tools (e.g. Prospective, Optibus) is highly desired. Alternatively, an advanced level of IT literacy is a necessity.
• Communication and Influence: Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Leadership and Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams.
• Local and Operational Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
• Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high‑pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e.g. service registration, BODS).
• Understanding of EV Management: Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning is an advantage.
• Public Sector and Partnership Experience: Experience working with or within local authorities or public transport partnerships is desirable.

Benefits

• Health: Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost. Includes cashback across optical, dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for mental health support.
• Discounts on high‑street brands and supermarkets.
• Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service and a free bus pass.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Pension scheme and opportunity to purchase discounted First Group shares.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Management and Strategy/Planning

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 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.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.