At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and optimisation of transport services for a reliable and efficient network.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking transport organisation focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment with a mix of in-office and remote work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport planning while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in transport planning or operations, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
The Business Planning Lead will centralise the strategic oversight of scheduling, route optimisation, and long-term planning. This role is responsible for leading the strategic design, optimisation, and evolution of UBTC’s network timetable and service planning. This role plays a critical part in aligning operational capacity with customer demand and commercial objectives, ensuring a reliable, efficient, and financially sustainable transport service. This position also oversees the review and challenge of business cases and investment proposals across the organisation, ensuring alignment with business strategy, financial targets, and capital allocation priorities. Working cross-functionally with finance, strategy, and commercial and operational teams, the Director of Business Planning provides rigorous analysis, governance, and recommendations to support informed executive decision-making.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- +5 years of relevant experience in transport planning, network design, operations planning, or commercial analysis—ideally within public transport, aviation, rail, or logistics.
- Proven track record in leading timetable and network planning processes in a complex, data driven environment.
- Demonstrated experience in scenario modelling, capacity planning, or scheduling optimisation.
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with commercial, finance, strategy, and operational teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and maintain an optimised, data-driven network timetable that balances customer demand, operational capacity / inventory, and commercial objectives.
- Partner with the Finance and Strategy teams to align service patterns with financial forecasting and long-term strategic goals.
- Support the Business Planning team on short- and medium-term scheduling analysis to support scenario planning, disruption recovery, and special event operations.
- Lead end-to-end network and timetable planning, including route design, frequency, and stop optimisation to maximise asset efficiency and service reliability.
- Drive continuous improvement in scheduling and vessel utilisation, including targeted skip-stop services during peak periods.
- Identify and assess opportunities for new routes that enhance customer capacity, operational resilience, and commercial outcomes.
- Provide insight and recommendations to executive leadership on medium- to long-term network development and capacity investment.
- Work with Business Intelligence to monitor and evaluate schedule performance using data insights to recommend improvements and increase system reliability.
- Use performance metrics to identify scheduling inefficiencies and develop solutions in collaboration with the Business Planning Manager.
- Support the CFO in the preparation of board-level reports and business cases for capital and strategic initiatives.
- Provide independent review of business cases, including financial assumptions, risk analysis, benefits realisation, and resource requirements, to support informed approval decisions.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
- Strong analytical skills with experience in using performance data to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Persistent in the pursuit of quality results.
LOCATION AND TRAVEL
Role is based at the Head Office at Trinity Buoy Wharf. 4 days in office, 1 day working from home.
Business Planning Lead in London employer: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
As a Business Planning Lead at UBTC, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment that prioritises innovation and strategic thinking. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a supportive culture that values your contributions. Located at the vibrant Trinity Buoy Wharf, you will enjoy a balanced work-life arrangement with four days in the office and one day working from home, making UBTC an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in transport planning.
Contact Detail:
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Planning Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the transport planning field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company’s recent projects and challenges in transport planning. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around scheduling optimisation and capacity planning. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Let’s get you on board as the next Business Planning Lead!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Planning Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Planning Lead role. Highlight your experience in transport planning and network design, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've led timetable and network planning processes, and how your skills align with our commercial objectives.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in scheduling or capacity planning. This will show us that you can bring valuable insights to the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Planning Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key performance metrics related to transport planning and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with finance, strategy, and operations teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments to achieve common goals, highlighting any challenges you overcame.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Modelling Questions
Expect questions about scenario modelling and capacity planning. Think of specific instances where you've had to analyse different scenarios and the impact they had on service delivery or operational efficiency.
✨Align with Business Strategy
Understand the company's strategic objectives and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show that you can think critically about how to optimise network timetables while meeting customer demand and financial targets.
