Network Planner

Reports to: Network Planning Manager

Location: East -Norwich or Chelmsford

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 required:

• 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.

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 advise. Our EAP provision offers24hr, 365 days a year mental healthsupport
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platformwith 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 serviceas 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
• 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.

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.

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