At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new rail freight planning operation with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Ford & Stanley, a leader in recruitment and performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £65,000, career growth, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to build something new and drive continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming rail freight planning from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
The Opportunity
If you're looking for an opportunity to shape a brand-new operation, lead a sizeable team, and influence the future of rail freight planning, this is a role that offers genuine strategic impact from day one. As part of a new regional Service Delivery Centre in Swindon, you'll lead both the Planning and Rostering teams, bringing together two functions that have historically operated separately and creating a more integrated, efficient, and collaborative approach to service delivery.
This is far more than a traditional planning management role. You'll have overall responsibility for planning outputs that span from long-term timetable development and industry negotiations through to weekly train plans and traincrew resource allocation. You'll play a vital role in ensuring freight services are delivered safely, reliably, and cost-effectively while supporting the successful launch of the new Service Delivery Centre.
You'll be joining at an exciting time of transformation. The business is looking for a leader who can build capability, challenge convention, develop people, and drive continuous improvement. You'll be trusted to influence how planning and rostering functions operate, while establishing a culture focused on accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
For experienced rail planning leaders looking to take ownership of a critical business function and leave a lasting impact, this is a rare opportunity to help build something from the ground up.
Planning Manager Responsibilities
- Planning & Rostering Leadership: Lead the Planning and Rostering teams, ensuring the successful delivery of long-term, short-term, and weekly planning outputs that support customer and operational requirements.
- Team Development: Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and strong working relationships across the Service Delivery Centre.
- Contractual & Industry Management: Lead negotiations and planning activities relating to track access, timetable development, network changes, and wider industry planning processes.
- Operational Improvement: Drive efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and challenge existing processes to improve operational performance and commercial outcomes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Develop strong relationships with customers, Network Rail, operational teams, industry partners, and trade union representatives to support successful service delivery.
Ideal Planning Manager
- Rail Planning Expertise: Significant experience within train planning, resource planning, rostering, or planning management environments within the rail industry.
- Industry & Contractual Knowledge: Strong understanding of Network Code requirements, track access contracts, timetable planning processes, and wider rail industry governance.
- Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading large operational teams, developing capability, and driving performance through others.
- Change & Continuous Improvement: Comfortable challenging convention, implementing new ways of working, and driving operational efficiencies.
- Negotiation & Stakeholder Management: Experience negotiating within regulated or contractual environments and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
- People Leadership: Able to engage, inspire, and bring people on a journey while creating a positive, accountable, and high-performing culture.
Location & Working Arrangements
- Location: Swindon
- Working Pattern: Site-based, Monday to Friday.
- Travel: Occasional travel required for industry meetings, stakeholder engagement, depot visits, and wider business requirements.
Planning Manager Salary
Salary: £65,000
Planning Manager in Swindon employer: Ford & Stanley Select
Ford & Stanley Select is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, fostering an environment where innovation and continuous improvement thrive. Located in the picturesque town of Pulborough, UK, employees benefit from competitive salaries, a car allowance, and ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in manufacturing leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Swindon
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Ford & Stanley Select.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Ford & Stanley Select? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Ford & Stanley Select's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Planning Manager role at Ford & Stanley Select, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford & Stanley Select
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Ford & Stanley Select operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Ford & Stanley Select. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Ford & Stanley Select.
