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 employer: OVO Group
OVO is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and innovation, offering flexible working arrangements across its vibrant hub locations in Bristol, London, and Glasgow. With a strong focus on employee growth, OVO provides extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, health plans, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a collaborative environment where your contributions can truly make a difference in achieving the company's Plan Zero objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Central Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in resource and capacity planning. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges and delivered results.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like OVO, and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining us and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Central Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in resource and capacity planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant skills in data analytics and financial management!
Showcase Your Achievements:We love seeing what you’ve accomplished! Include specific examples of how you've improved processes or delivered successful outcomes in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your personality shine through, so let your unique voice come across!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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.
