Planning & Rostering Manager

Purpose of the Role

• To manage a team of Freight Resource Planners, ensuring necessary resources are allocated efficiently and rosters are issued in the required time scale to deliver all Colas Rail Freight services safely, on time and on budget.
• Resources will be allocated in line with our Colas Rail T&C’s, rostering guidelines & customer orders.
• To act as a point of contact for the Freight Management Team for all resourcing related matters.
• To own the rostering process from creation to delivery, working closely with freight delivery managers, and under the direction of Freight Performance and Policy manager
• To continually develop systems and processes.
   

Person Specification

• Extensive knowledge and experience of rostering and planning ideally in a rail freight environment.
• Experience in leading and developing a team
• Background in dealing with an operational work force, and staff that work on a variable shift pattern.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and communication skills.
• Able to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach.
• Computer literate with extensive experience in using Microsoft Office (Excel mainly). Experience in using diagramming tools would be beneficial.
• Competent on using Network Rail Online Logistics (NROL) and Train Running Under System TOPS (TRUST)
• Excellent attention to detail with a problem-solving mindset
• Be assertive and confident when dealing with issues.
• Have knowledge and understanding of operational staff terms and conditions.
• Experience in making tough decisions in challenging situations to safely and cost effectively deliver to the customer expectations.
• Excellent geographical knowledge of the UK railway infrastructure network
• To be able to present information in a clear and concise manner.
• Be able to communicate with personnel at all levels.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations as applicable to Freight operations
• A proven team player who has the ability to deliver in what could be described as demanding circumstances.
• Holder of full UK driving licence

Key Responsibilities

Key Areas of Responsibility & Accountability

• To lead, motivate, and develop the Freight Rostering Team.
• To act as a guiding mind for all rostering matters.
• To act as cover for team members when required.

Safety

• Manage the production of traincrew diagrams / rosters efficiently and in-line with Colas Rail rostering guidelines, principles, and terms & conditions.
• Oversee the input of traincrew diagrams / rostered shifts into the Fatigue Management system.
• Have full understanding of NR/L2/OHS/003 Fatigue Standard with regards to fatigue considerations when producing traincrew rosters.
• Comply with company policies on Safety Tours and Safety Briefs in a professional manner.

Quality

• Ensure that the output of the rostering team is best in class regarding quality and accuracy.
• Ensure all diagrams comply with company policies, and consider;
• Impact on staff safety and fatigue,
• Efficient staff utilisation,
• Efficient use of Hotels, Taxi’s, and external hire.
• Work with the delivery managers to resolve day to day issues, resource plans, and work allocation.
• Monitor changes to the plan as it develops over the week.
• Liaise with Business Managers, Planning Manager and SCO possession planner for SCO work acceptance.

Profitability

• Work to ensure that rosters are continually improved.
• Work with other departments to improve the efficiency of the overall train plan.

The above does not limit your duties and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake any work within your capabilities and capacity.

As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• 26 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan
• Occupational Health Service