At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and optimise train movements for safe and efficient rail operations.
- Company: Join Porterbrook, the UK's leading rolling stock financier with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: A level or equivalent experience; knowledge of train planning systems is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About us
At the heart of the rail network for over three decades, Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains. By working together with our partners, we deliver high-quality, agile rolling stock solutions that ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, sustainable and fit for the future. We don't just provide trains - we provide a customer-focused platform for long-term success. Since 1994, Porterbrook has invested over £4bn in new rolling stock including £1bn of capital in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure in the last five years. With our strategic and empathetic funding solutions, we're actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead.
About the team
Our Long Marston Operations Team provide onsite logistical solutions and support services, tailored to our internal and external customers' needs. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, professionally trained depot team.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Operations Planner, to join the Porterbrook team.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop train movements plans to enable optimised safe delivery of all rail operations undertaken at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre - ensuring peaks and troughs are balanced.
- Support the Operations Manager with resource allocation, balancing train driving, shunting, and training & competence requirements.
- Implement robust arrangements for the communication of train movements plans to all affected parties (internal & external) to ensure priorities are aligned and agreed, and minimise short notice requests.
- Attend weekly planning meetings to enable the train movements plans to be created, and to ensure priorities are aligned and agreed, and to minimise short notice requests.
- Work with the Operations Manager to ensure no conflicts between test track and non-test track train movements.
- Produce daily work schedules for train drivers and shunters.
- Monitor fatigue risk profiles of operations team members to enable proactive intervention by the Operations Manager where tolerable thresholds approach exceedance.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders (incl. Train Operators, and Network Rail) to ensure mainline arrivals and departures are included within train movements plans - with hours of site access agreed by all parties, and arrangements in place to minimise 'out of hours' access.
- Ensure the site stabling plan is kept up to date at all times, to enable available capacity to be visualised, and future requirements modelled.
- Liaise with other Porterbrook departments to ensure a coordinated and controlled approach to the access of trains stabled on site, and that the appropriate permits are issued.
- Undertake real time monitoring of daily service delivery, informing the Operations Manager of any delays which could prevent full delivery of the plan (i.e. delays due to train failure, late mainline running, infrastructure defects etc...).
- Ensure track restrictions and speed restrictions are clearly identified on the operations planning board and are communicated to all affected parties.
- Produce key performance indicators (KPIs) to enable monitoring of train service delivery.
- Support the Operations Manager with additional operations team activities as required.
About you
Skills / Experience
What you'll need to have:
- A level or equivalent level of experience.
- Knowledge of a Train Planning system and TRUST (Desirable).
- Experience in working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience in planning and problem solving to deliver objectives.
It would be great if you also had:
- Ability to work flexibly to strict timescales and under a high degree of pressure.
- Well organised with a strong attention to detail.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan and deliver activities to deliver business objectives.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement with good sense of controls.
- Computer literacy.
A great place to work
We have a collaborative work ethic with our team members across the company, and with our customers and suppliers. In Derby, London and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right jobs, all striving to drive excellence through strong partnerships that create value for all. We promote a high-performing culture where everyone is supported to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. We have a close-knit, diverse team that looks out for each other, and supports our colleagues, communities and the next generation of the railway family.
In recognition of this we have been awarded:
- Investors in People Gold accreditation.
- Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation.
- Engineering and Safety Award.
- Railway Innovation 2025.
These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:
- 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme.
- Financial wellbeing support.
- Flexible working.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
- Ongoing support with professional and personal development.
- Long service awards.
- Porterbrook Star awards.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave.
- Additional days annual leave for long service.
- Free parking and electric vehicle charging are available at our Derby office.
- Season ticket loan.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk. We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact. Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!
Operations Planner employer: Porterbrook
Porterbrook is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive environment, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working options and ongoing development opportunities. Located in the picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon, the company fosters a high-performing culture where every team member is valued and empowered to contribute to the future of the railway industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Planner
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Porterbrook and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Porterbrook!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Porterbrook keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Porterbrook:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Porterbrook. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Porterbrook.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Porterbrook that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Porterbrook. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
