At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning and scheduling of water network repair and maintenance activities.
- Company: Join South Staffordshire Water, a leading water supply company with a focus on community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, family-friendly leave, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with active employee networks and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and excellent communication; planning experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £29,000 per annum | Company Benefits
Location: Walsall, West Midlands or Fradley Park, Staffordshire | Field Based
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | 37.5 hours per week
About Us
South Staffordshire Water operates across two regions as Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water, and is a privately-owned regulated water only company. South Staffs Water supplies a population of nearly 1.3 million. The area of supply stretches from the edge of Ashbourne in the North, to Halesowen in the South, and from Burton-on-Trent in the East, to Kinver in the West.
The Role
We're looking for a proactive and organised Planning Assistant to support the delivery of repair and maintenance programmes across our water network operations. Working closely with planners, operational teams, contractors, and key stakeholders, you'll help ensure work is scheduled efficiently, resources are optimised, and jobs are completed safely, compliantly, and within required service standards. This role is key to reducing repair times, minimising rework, and supporting an excellent customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning and scheduling of repair and maintenance activities across water operations
- Build and prepare high-quality job packs within agreed service levels, helping to reduce repair times and improve first-time completion rates
- Review incoming work and assist Technical Planners in ensuring jobs meet the required planning standards
- Manage the "gold standard" process by identifying and resolving missing or incomplete information
- Review utility drawings and highlight potential risks or constraints to Technical Planners
- Ensure all relevant utility plans and information are attached to work orders before scheduling
- Allocate work to operational teams in line with daily and weekly work programmes
- Support the Streetworks Coordinator with permit applications and notifications to local authorities and transport providers
- Arrange and administer traffic management requirements to support planned and reactive works
- Prepare permits for planned and urgent activities in accordance with regulatory requirements
- Produce customer communications, including advance warning notices and letters
- Compile and maintain performance information, including completed work, backlog volumes, and scheduling metrics
- Build effective working relationships with internal teams, contractors, local authorities, and external partners
What You'll Need
- Full clean, UK driving licence as travel may be required within the company's area of supply
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers, contractors, and stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- A proactive, customer-focused approach and a keen eye for detail
- Experience in a planning, scheduling, coordination, or operational support role is desirable
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly
- Knowledge of the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) is desirable but not essential
- Experience using IBM Maximo, Street Manager, or similar systems is advantageous
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English, or relevant functional skills qualifications
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Outlook
What You'll Get
- Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer's Days
- Financial & Life Assurance: Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents
- Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers
- Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities
- Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women's Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more
- Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
At South Staffordshire Limited, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientations, and physical and neurodiverse abilities. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and encourage you to let us know how we can best support you throughout the recruitment process.
Planning Assistant in Walsall employer: South Staffs Water
South Staffordshire Water is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With comprehensive benefits such as enhanced family leave, health and wellness programmes, and ongoing career development opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in the vibrant regions of Walsall and Fradley Park, the company fosters a collaborative environment where every team member's contribution is valued, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant in Walsall
✨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 South Staffs Water 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 South Staffs Water!
✨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 South Staffs Water 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 Planning Assistant in Walsall
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 South Staffs Water:This is your chance to really connect with the team at South Staffs Water. 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 South Staffs Water
✨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 South Staffs Water.
✨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 South Staffs Water 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 South Staffs Water. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
