At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and optimise drainage maintenance activities while leading a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to safety and efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days annual leave, pension plan, and discounts on everyday expenses.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong planning skills and leadership experience are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Haydock - Office based with parking on site
Employment type: Full Time Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday
What’s In It For You
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP and Mental health support & counselling services
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more!
- Life assurance cover
- Long service recognition
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Paid volunteering opportunities in your community
About The Role
The Lead Operational Work Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimising drainage maintenance activities across the network. The role ensures work is delivered efficiently, safely, and in line with regulatory and service standards, while supporting the work planners. The role requires high levels of IT skills as there will be the need to create and distribute management spreadsheets, reports, and plans. Reporting to the Planning Manager you will be able to confidently manage a busy workload on your own initiative and will adopt a flexible approach to your working day.
Planning & Scheduling
- Develop short- and medium-term work schedules for drainage operations
- Prioritise planned maintenance activities
- Allocate resources (teams, vehicles, equipment) efficiently
- Ensure work is sequenced to minimise disruption and maximise productivity
Operational Coordination
- Act as the link between field teams, supervisors, and management
- Monitor daily progress and adjust plans in real time
- Coordinate responses when required
Team Leadership
- Lead, support and develop work planners
- Provide coaching, training, and mentoring
- Set planning standards and ensure consistency across the team
Data & Systems Management
- Use planning and asset systems (e.g. ILJ, ILA, GIS tools) to schedule and track work
- Analyse performance data (KPIs, backlog, response times)
- Identify trends and recommend improvements
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all work complies with health & safety regulations and environmental standards
- Support risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
- Support permits, traffic management, and access requirements with the wider planning function
Stakeholder Management
- Liaise with internal teams (operations, customer, streetworks, commercial)
- Coordinate with external supply chain and sub-contractors
- Support customer communication for planned works
Essential
- Strong planning/scheduling background
- Leadership or supervisory experience
- Good knowledge of health & safety practices
- Ability to work under pressure as part of a high performing team in a fast-moving environment
Desirable
- Experience in drainage, wastewater, or utilities operations
- Knowledge of sewer networks and drainage systems
- Experience with asset management/planning systems
- Understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g. water industry standards)
Our commitment to Equal Opportunities
We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Before applying, please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we process your data in line with GDPR.
Lead Work Planner in Haydock employer: Ipsum
Join our dynamic team in Haydock as a Lead Work Planner, where we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Enjoy a supportive work culture with benefits like 20 days of annual leave, access to mental health services, and opportunities for career development, all while making a meaningful impact in drainage maintenance operations. With a focus on teamwork and innovation, we offer a rewarding environment that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Work Planner in Haydock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Work Planner in Haydock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Work Planner role. Highlight your planning and scheduling experience, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description. We love a good story!
Show Off Your IT Skills:Since the role requires high levels of IT skills, make sure to mention any relevant software or systems you’ve used in the past. If you’ve worked with planning or asset management systems, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsum
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning and scheduling skills, especially in relation to drainage operations. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, like ILJ, ILA, and GIS systems. Being able to discuss how you've used these in past roles will show you're ready for the challenge.
✨Show Leadership Qualities
Since the role involves leading and developing work planners, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've coached or mentored others, and how you’ve ensured consistency in a team. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire a team effectively.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Health and safety is a big deal in this role, so make sure you can talk about your understanding of health & safety practices and regulatory frameworks. Bring up any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance in previous jobs, as this will highlight your commitment to safety and standards.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Problem Solving
The job requires adjusting plans in real-time, so think of examples where you've had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks under pressure and ensure minimal disruption while maximising productivity. This will show that you can handle the fast-paced environment they’re looking for.
