Planning and Rostering Manager

Company:  COLAS RAIL FREIGHT
Location:  Derby
Country:  United Kingdom
Type of Contract:  Permanent
Publication Date:  2 Jul 2025

Purpose of the Role

 

The IM Planning and Rostering Manager will manage the Colas Rail IM resources, and act as a point of contact for IM & senior rail services management on all IM resourcing related matters. They will ensure necessary recourses are allocated efficiently and rosters are issued to staff in line with the agreed time scales. They will deliver all Colas Rail IM services safely, on time and on budget. This will be in line with Colas Rail IM rostering guidelines, various staff terms and conditions and taking into account customer orders. The role will have direct line management duties for two Resource Planners, with whom they will work and liaise closely, providing support and guidance where necessary. The Planning & Rostering Manager will work closely with all operational IM management to ensure all aspects of the contract are covered.

Person Specification

 

  • Extensive knowledge and experience of rostering and planning within the rail industry.
  • Proven experience in managing people
  • Strong background in dealing with an operational work force and creating rosters for staff that work on a variable shift pattern.
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and communication skills.
  • Able to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach
  • Competent on using Network Rail Online Logistics (NROL) and Train Running Under System TOPS (TRUST)
  • Excellent attention to details with problem-solving mindset
  • Be assertive and confident when dealing with staff rostering issues.
  • Knowledge and experience of the requirements to consider staff fatigue when producing rosters.
  • Have knowledge and understanding of all 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
  • Confidence to deal with all Colas Rail customers to deliver to their expectations in required timescales, and with high quality.
  • Holder of full UK driving licence

Key Responsibilities

 

  • Act as the point of contact for all IM rostering matters, closely liaising with rest of Colas Rail, Rail Services rostering & delivery teams, so as to make the best use of the Colas Rail Route Knowledge portfolio.
  • Provide the relevant stake holders (e.g. Freight Management team & Network Rail contacts) with updates relating to forward planning and resource issues.
  • Management and support of two IM Resource Planners, including carrying out PDRs, setting and reviewing actions/objectives for the team to ensure all work is complete on time and to expected quality. 
  • Undertake rotational on-call duties (PTS and relevant training provided where required) along with all other L3 managers. 

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