Planning Manager in Portsmouth

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.

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. The Network Planning Manager will act with integrity and role model First Bus values and behaviours across their business units and the broader business; and through effective stakeholder management, they will ensure the needs of local authorities, investors, customers, partners, and colleagues are met.

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.

Key Relationships

• Network Planners and Head of Network
• Schedulers and Senior Schedulers
• Process Excellence and Compliance Manager
• UK Lead – Network Systems and Data
• Commercial Leadership Team
• Operations, Engineering and Finance colleagues in First Bus
• External stakeholders including Local Authorities

Skills & Experience required

• 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.

Key Performance Indicators

• Route Profitability
• Tender Success Rate
• On‑Time Performance
• Timeliness and accuracy of service registrations and BODS submissions.
• Cost per mile

Behaviours

• Always Care: Show empathy and fairness in interactions
• Do what is Right: Lead with integrity and accountability
• Succeed Together: Embrace teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Shape the Future: Be proactive, Curious and growth mindset

Company, Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Adhere to all FirstGroup and First Bus policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Promote and implement, where appropriate, safe working practices by means of campaigns, initiatives and promote a positive attitude to safety through personal leadership.
• Support the Company's environmental campaigns and be aware of the Company's annual environmental targets.

Rewards & Benefits

• 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 advice.
• 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.
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay.
• Flexible working.

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.