At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead resource planning strategy and optimise operations across airports in the UK, Netherlands, and Italy.
- Company: Join a dynamic team transforming airport operations with innovative resource management solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact on efficiency.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of operational excellence while reducing costs and emissions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing labour-intensive operations and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Role based in London with travel across Europe; must be eligible for airside security clearance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This role leads the transformation of how labor and operational resources are forecasted, scheduled, and allocated across airport operations in the UK, Netherlands, and Italy. It’s about real-time control over labor allocation, reducing inefficiencies in high-cost operations, and building a single regional standard for resource planning — covering tools, governance, and metrics.
What you’ll do:
- Build and lead regional resource planning strategy (forecasting, rostering, allocation)
- Overhaul current planning tools and processes from the ground up
- Own the data behind operational resourcing: hours, cost, demand vs supply
- Lead the design of workforce planning tools (e.g. shift bidding, swaps, RTC, RMS)
- Align resource plans with commercial deals and contract renewals
- Coach and hold accountable planning teams across multiple countries
- Act fast and decisively during disruptions (irregular ops, strikes, breakdowns)
- Reduce emissions and fuel costs through better GSE/fleet utilization
Metrics tied to your performance:
- Profit/cash targets linked to labor cost efficiency
- Worked hours per turnaround
- On-time delivery of resource plans vs forecast
- Internal adoption of planning system/tools
- Labor productivity gains per site
- Training completion rate across planning teams
You’ll need to have:
- Experience managing labor-intensive operations where payroll is 50%+ of cost
- History of owning P&L or resource optimization performance in a complex business
- Proven ability to lead multi-country teams and standardize planning processes
- Strong commercial awareness: linking hours, demand, and contract terms
- Analytical strength — can interrogate data, systems, and processes with ease
- Post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience)
- Fluent English; other languages a plus
- Must be eligible for UK airside security clearance and hold a valid UK driver’s license
Role is based out of London Heathrow, with regular travel across UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Resource Optimization Planning Manager (City of London) employer: FlexTek
Contact Detail:
FlexTek Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Resource Optimization Planning Manager (City of London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in resource optimisation and workforce planning tools. Understanding the current technologies and methodologies used in the industry will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to our transformation efforts.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the airport operations sector, especially those involved in resource planning. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed labour-intensive operations in the past. Highlighting your experience with P&L ownership and resource optimisation will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Being able to articulate your approach to interrogating data and improving processes will set you apart as a strong candidate for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Resource Optimization Planning Manager (City of London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing labor-intensive operations and resource optimization. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead multi-country teams and standardise planning processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your background aligns with the job requirements. Mention your analytical skills and experience with P&L management, as well as your ability to link hours, demand, and contract terms.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements related to labor cost efficiency and operational improvements. Highlight metrics such as worked hours per turnaround and internal adoption rates of planning tools.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with forecasting, rostering, and allocation. Be ready to discuss how you would approach disruptions and improve resource planning tools, drawing on your past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at FlexTek
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully interrogated data and improved processes. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've used to optimise resource allocation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This position involves leading multi-country teams, so share your experiences in managing diverse groups. Discuss how you’ve standardised processes across different locations and the impact it had on efficiency.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the commercial aspects of the role. Be ready to explain how you would link labour costs to demand and contract terms, and provide examples from your past roles where you’ve done this successfully.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle disruptions like irregular operations or strikes. Think through potential scenarios and articulate your decision-making process clearly, demonstrating your ability to act decisively under pressure.