At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategies and optimise resource management for OVO's operational success.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking energy company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, generous holiday, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in resource planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 53000 £ per year.
Location: Hub based! Bristol, London or Glasgow (flexible to work wherever suits best). Depending on the needs of your business area, we expect hub‑based people to be in the office at least once a week and to attend OVO Connection events in‑person. You will be assigned to the closest hub office (Bristol, Glasgow or London) unless your role requires field‑based work. Each hub has accessible spaces to park your laptop and is designed to inspire people, help them connect and bring big ideas to life.
Team & Reporting
- Team: Central Planning Team.
- Reports to: Central Planning Manager.
We work within OVO Retail and the Resource Planning Team, enabling planning for customers for the Ovo business. We champion customer excellence and are empowered to make a difference through our Plan Zero objectives.
Experience & Working Pattern
- Mid level.
- Full‑time.
- Sponsorship not offered.
Role Summary
You will be responsible for developing standardisation for COO estate, operational build and management of Supply & Demand plans across functional areas. Supported by Planning Analysts, you will ensure delivery of robust end‑to‑end planning solutions from 15 minutes to long‑range projections, enabling successful delivery of Ovo’s business objectives. You will manage solutions that protect operational service levels, manage against budget envelopes and audit & monitor variance drivers.
Key Outcomes
- Strategic Forecasting & Financial Management
- Model Optimization: assess, improve and maintain robust supply and demand models using best‑in‑class statistical methodologies.
- Budgeting & Re‑forecasting: deliver annual budget outlooks and monthly re‑forecasts, tracking variances.
- Financial Accountability: present monthly financial walk‑downs to senior leadership, articulating root causes of variances.
- Operational Alignment & Execution
- End‑to‑End Planning: align tactical intraday and strategic forecasts, optimising shift patterns to match ToD demand and secure operational SLAs.
- Partner Coordination: package and share accurate forecasting data with internal deployment teams and external OSP partners.
- Risk Mitigation: identify operational risks, collaborate with stakeholders to build mitigation plans, maintain performance records.
- Stakeholder Business Partnering & Insight
- Data Storytelling: translate complex data and operational metrics into clear performance insights.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: partner with Business Readiness, project teams and Ovo Care departments.
- Strategic Challenge: build trusted relationships with senior operational leaders and constructively challenge assumptions.
- Resource & Capacity Management
- Capacity Ownership: drive resourcing solutions, own recruitment plans and suppliers.
- Change Impact Modeling: conduct impact assessments and scenario modelling for business changes.
- Team Development: manage and mentor Planning Analysts, fostering continuous learning.
- Operational Excellence: standardise F&P processes, leverage MI to diagnose root causes, champion continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven expertise in resource and capacity planning, spanning long‑range outlooks to intraday staffing.
- Advanced data analytics skills and strong grasp of commercial strategy and financial performance.
- Outstanding analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a track record of building solutions that balance risk and reward.
- High‑energy leadership, leading and mentoring multi‑site, matrixed teams.
- Strong communication skills, distilling data into executive recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Background in technology, business transformation or analysis within fast‑paced, complex businesses (including M&A).
- Structured approach to prioritisation, time management and delivery under pressure.
Even better if you have
- Experience in the Energy sector.
- Formal BA training or certification.
- Lean process design training.
- Agile delivery certification (Scrum Master or Product Owner).
Compensation & Benefits
We’ll pay between £42,500 and £53,000, depending on your skills and experience. On‑target bonus of 15% is available through the OVO bonus plan focused on collective performance. Flex Pay: 9% Flex Pay on top of salary (4% auto‑enrolled into pension, 5% used for flexible benefits). Benefits include 34 days holiday (including bank holidays), a healthcare cash plan or private medical insurance, critical illness cover, life assurance, health assessments, gym membership, travel insurance, workplace ISA, will‑writing services, dental insurance, extra holiday buying, discount dining, home & tech loans, support for charities, car leasing deals, cycle‑to‑work scheme and public transport season ticket loans.
Belonging & Inclusive Culture
We support diverse people from all abilities, identities, ethnicities, ages and orientations. We have eight Belonging Networks to build an inclusive workplace; join any that resonate with you.
Apply
Even if you don’t tick all boxes, apply – we’ll still love to hear from you. If you have additional requirements, let us know in the application form.
Central Planning Manager in Bristol employer: OVO Group
At OVO, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and innovation. With flexible hub-based working in Bristol, London, or Glasgow, our employees enjoy a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through mentorship and continuous learning opportunities. Coupled with a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and wellness initiatives, OVO is dedicated to empowering its team to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Planning Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready to showcase your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better shot at getting noticed by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Planning Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Central Planning Manager role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analytics, don’t forget to mention any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used. We love seeing candidates who can turn complex data into clear insights!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our culture at StudySmarter, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at OVO Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Central Planning Manager, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your financial metrics and forecasting models before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analytics in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing and mentoring Planning Analysts. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to foster continuous learning and operational excellence.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with OVO's business objectives and Plan Zero initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in resource and capacity planning. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company's mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk mitigation strategies. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to balance risk and reward in your planning processes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
