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- Tasks: Shape our future by developing strategic workforce plans and talent pipelines.
- Company: Join a dynamic HR team in a leading organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension, free travel, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Other info: Commit to a minimum 14-month role for personal career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce planning and drive organisational success.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent with strong strategic workforce planning experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity to join our HR team as a Workforce Planning Manager. In this strategic role, you’ll play a key part in shaping our organisation’s future by providing expert workforce planning insight. You’ll lead the development of robust, consistent workforce plans and talent pipelines that align with both current priorities and long-term business goals. Working closely with senior leaders and Heads of Department, you’ll build an understanding of workforce demands and apply this into effective, localised plans that ensure we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. You’ll also drive our retention and succession planning strategies, using data-led insights to monitor progress, identify risks, and highlight opportunities through regular reporting and analysis. If you bring strong experience in strategic workforce planning and the confidence to lead with evidence-based recommendations, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver short, medium and long-term workforce plans aligned to business priorities.
- Analyse workforce data to produce accurate forecasts, scenario planning, and evidence-based insights.
- Collaborate with HR, finance, and business leaders to align workforce plans with recruitment, training, and operational needs.
- Monitor workforce performance through KPIs, reporting, and continuous improvement of planning tools and processes.
- Provide strategic insight on workforce risks and opportunities, including retention, succession planning, skills gaps, and resource optimisation.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Relevant qualification (CIPD Level 5 or equivalent) with degree-level capability or experience.
- Strong experience in strategic workforce planning within a large or complex organisation.
- Ability to analyse and interpret workforce data, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations and insights.
- Proficiency in HR systems (e.g. Oracle), advanced Excel, and data visualisation tools such as Power BI.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, build relationships, and understand sector-specific workforce challenges.
- To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence.
Benefits
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing.
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal - offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
Workforce Planning Manager in Birmingham employer: WM Trains
Contact Detail:
WM Trains Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Workforce Planning Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or through our website. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Workforce Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your data analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used workforce data in the past to make strategic decisions. We love candidates who can back up their insights with solid evidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder management skills! Think of examples where you've influenced decisions or built strong relationships. This is key for the role, so make sure to highlight these experiences during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Workforce Planning Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Workforce Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic workforce planning and how it aligns with our business goals. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping our organisation's future!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves analysing workforce data, don’t forget to mention your proficiency in HR systems and tools like Excel and Power BI. We love candidates who can provide evidence-based insights, so share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in the past.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: This position requires working closely with various stakeholders, so be sure to emphasise your experience in building relationships and influencing others. We’re looking for someone who can effectively collaborate with HR, finance, and business leaders to align workforce plans.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Workforce Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse and interpret workforce data. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. Bring examples of forecasts or scenario planning you've conducted.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about aligning workforce plans with business priorities. Prepare to talk about how you've developed short, medium, and long-term plans in previous positions. Think about specific challenges you faced and how your strategic insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Build Relationships
Stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Be prepared to share experiences where you've collaborated with HR, finance, or other departments. Highlight your ability to influence and build relationships, as this will be key in understanding workforce demands.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills and ability to identify risks and opportunities. Think of scenarios where you've had to make evidence-based recommendations. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.