At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and schedule work for Field Operatives, ensuring timely job assignments.
- Company: Lanes Group is a leading service provider in the utilities sector based in Bradford.
- Benefits: Opportunity to develop skills in a growing business with a supportive planning team.
- Other info: This is a temporary position with potential for permanent employment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic role that directly impacts customer service and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or scheduling, preferably in utilities, with strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 32833 - 32833 £ per year.
Location: Bradford, Yorkshire
Salary: £28,500
Hours: Monday - Friday (1pm - 10pm)
Employment: Temporary (with potential of becoming permanent)
Company: Lanes Group
Make a real impact, every day. We’re looking for an Operational Planner to join our fast‑paced and supportive Planning team in Bradford. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, working with people, and keeping operations running smoothly – all while delivering an excellent experience for our customers. At Lanes Group, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our field teams, helping us deliver innovative operational solutions for one of our key clients and contributing to their AMP8 objectives.
About the role:
- Working closely with the Planning Team Leader and a team of experienced planners, you’ll be responsible for coordinating and scheduling work for our Field Operatives, ensuring the right job gets to the right person at the right time.
- This is a varied and dynamic role where no two days are the same, ideal for someone who thrives in a busy environment and enjoys making decisions that directly impact service delivery.
What you’ll be doing:
- Plan preventive, planned, and reactive maintenance in line with contractual SLAs, taking a Right First Time approach while maximising productivity and efficient travel routes.
- Monitor non‑completions throughout the day and proactively plan top‑up work to meet daily completion targets.
- Work closely with supervisors, stores, and field teams to ensure jobs are planned and completed effectively.
- Respond to customer enquiries with confidence, taking ownership and seeing issues through to resolution.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with operational colleagues and key stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate and timely data within works management systems, ensuring issues are logged, tracked, and escalated where needed.
- Support continuous improvement by improving data quality and identifying opportunities to enhance planning and scheduling processes.
- Take part in internal and external meetings and contribute positively to team discussions and change initiatives.
What we’re looking for:
- We’re keen to hear from people who bring enthusiasm, organisation, and a customer‑first mindset.
- Ideally, you’ll have experience in a planning or scheduling role, preferably within utilities or a similar operational environment.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities at pace.
- Confidence making decisions in time‑pressured situations.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Experience in reactive wastewater network maintenance, scheduling software, customer access planning, or traffic management is advantageous – but not essential. We’re happy to support development in these areas.
Why join Lanes Group?
- Be part of a collaborative and supportive planning team.
- Work on meaningful projects that directly impact customers and communities.
- Develop your skills within a growing business and a critical industry.
- Contribute ideas, improve processes, and help shape how we work.
This position is open to Internal and External candidates. Any internal candidates currently employed within a division of the Lanes Group must complete an Internal Application form and submit to recruitment. The Lanes Group plc comprises a range of established service provider subsidiaries, which complement the specialist service of Lanes, by both work type and geography, increasing our overall capability, assets and offering to our customers. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under‑represented members of the community. Strictly no agencies please.
Operational Planner - Evening employer: Lanes
Lanes Group offers a collaborative environment in Bradford, focusing on impactful projects in the utilities sector. Employees benefit from skill development opportunities and contribute to community-focused initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Planner - Evening
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Lanes. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Lanes.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Lanes.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Planner - Evening
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Lanes and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanes
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Lanes will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Lanes.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Lanes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Lanes. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
