Network Planning Manager

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job summary

To manage the Network Planning Department:

To manage a team of scheduler compilers and support the Service Delivery Director by:

planning and overseeing the efficient use of the department's assets involving the optimum utilisation of buses, driving staff, operating sites etc.

work with TfGM to develop and improve the network of services operated

work with all departments to manage the smooth introduction of franchised bus services and subsequent contract changes to strict deadlines

work with Service Delivery Team devising proposals to submit to TfGM to improve service reliability in the face of increased traffic congestion, changes to road layouts and long-term roadwork’s (often at short notice).

ensuring that the introduction of changes to schedules and operating procedures are introduced efficiently and with the agreement of the Trade Union.

Main Responsibilities

Ensuring that the most cost-effective schedules and rotas are compiled for each route, taking into account safety, reliability, acceptability and cost;

Working with TfGM to develop and introduce improvements to timetables that improve the customer offering and / or improve the efficiency.

Liaising with staff at TfGM to ensure that all aspects of the planning and introduction of franchised bus services are executed to the satisfaction of both parties, within agreed deadlines;

Ensuring that Service Delivery Managers, Engineering Managers and Network Performance Managers are kept informed of franchised and operational requirements for each new or amended service;

Assisting the Service Delivery Director in reviewing the operational performance of each individual route on a regular basis to determine what actions are required to improve service quality and maximise Performance Bonus Payments (or to minimise penalties);

Assisting the Directors and Heads of Departments in the execution of their responsibilities;

Working with Trade Union officials, at both Company and Depot level, to ensure that any changes to established working practices are resolved to the satisfaction of both parties;

Guiding and assisting members of the Schedules Department in carrying out their tasks and keeping them informed of ongoing developments within the Business.

Maintaining a full knowledge of current Operating and Scheduling Agreements;

Maintaining a full knowledge of the Law relating to Domestic Drivers Hours regulations (where different from the Company Scheduling Agreement) and European Drivers Hours Regulations;

Maintaining a full knowledge of the Company’s operating area, particularly with regard to Depot and relief point locations;

To maintain a full knowledge of the Schedules System and to be able to “trouble-shoot” for other members of the Team when necessary;

To maintaining databases summarising output from the Schedules department;

To formulating programmes of work, to specified deadlines that utilise the Schedules team effectively and efficiently;

To ensure that members of the Department are utilised in the most productive way possible; especially considering strengths and weaknesses, and to train, guide and assist team members as necessary;

To encourage Compilers to search for innovative solutions to scheduling problems;

To manage the interface between the Schedules System and other computer programs that may be required;

To provide information/data regarding schedules as required;

Essential Criteria

Ability to lead and motivate a team to produce accurate, high quality work to maximise success of the department

Experience of using computer-based scheduling software.

Experience of Hastus Scheduling software desirable

Good geographical knowledge of Greater Manchester, especially Metroline’s operating area and depot locations

Good understanding of franchised bus operations

Good understanding of franchise and contractual procedures and obligations;

Good understanding of financial and costing procedures;

Knowledge of the Domestic Driving Hours Regulations

Ability to recognise good cost-effective vehicle schedules and driver duty schedules.

Competencies & Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills;

Excellent presentation skills;

Ability to analyse, prepare and present statistical data;

Ability to lead, motivate and work as part of a team, using own initiative;

Ability to use initiative and identify solutions when a problem or difficult situation arises.

Must be proactive, methodical and results orientated.

Ability to develop and maintain good relations with stakeholders, both internally and externally;

Ability to manage and prioritise work tasks;

A sound working knowledge of the Company's franchise obligations;

A sound understanding of employment law and how it is applied in the workplace;

Experience of consulting and negotiating with Trade Union representatives;

Must be a team player and willing to develop others to increase team and individual performance.

Hours of work

Basic 38 hours per week.

Flexibility required for hours/days worked (including weekends) in line with requirements.

The Equality Act

Metroline is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.