Network Planning Manager - West

Job Location: Cowley House Depot, Watlington Road, Oxford but travel to other depots may be required.

We are looking to recruit an experienced Network Planning Manager or someone with Network Planning experience who is looking to take it to the next level, to support the Commercial Department in producing attractive timetables, duties and rotas to meet the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will be responsible for Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams, ensuring the provision of high-quality data to ensure the smooth running of our operations.

Circa £50K depending on experience.

Free bus pass, loyalty bonus, contributory pension, lifestyle discount scheme, employee assistance programme, 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, your main responsibilities will be to oversee the development of attractive timetables, duties and rotas that evolve to meet the needs of our customers and stakeholders. Also to ensure that the Planning team is able to provide high quality data to the Operations, Commercial and Finance teams, to support the smooth running of our operations, data analysis and commercial decision making. 

• Work with the Head of Commercial to develop proposals for the continued evolution of our bus networks, ensuring that our services continue to meet the needs of our customers, local authorities and wider stakeholders.
• Compilation of timetables that meet customer needs and support strategic business and stakeholder objectives.
• Compilation of duties and rotas in line with locally agreed timescales that achieve the right balance of colleague centricity and schedules efficiency, to allow the business to succeed in an ever-challenging labour market.
• Undertake continual reviews of service performance, utilising a suite of data analytics tools, such as PowerBI and CitySwift, to achieve the right balance of running time optimisation and timetable simplicity.
• Work with the Head of Commercial and Commercial Ticketing & Systems Manager to evaluate and configure new commercial systems where required.
• Support the Head of Commercial on scenario modelling for new business development opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in schedule efficiency across the operating area, and work in partnership with the local Operations teams to develop action plans to implement these.
• Manage the Commercial Officer / Coordinator roles, ensuring a high standard of output at all times, and that a Continuous Professional Development plan is maintained, supporting the required growth in identified technical and soft skill areas.
• Support the Head of Commercial, Commercial Team and Finance Team in responding to requests for information for BSOG audits, BSIP schemes and periodic and ad-hoc hours and miles reporting across all of the Oxford Bus Group companies.
• Work closely with the Commercial Publicity Coordinator and Commercial Data & Ticketing Coordinator, sharing TXC and timetable exports within agreed timescales, to ensure we maintain BODS compliance and provide high-quality customer information across our business. 

• Experience of leading network planning and schedules changes, including consulting with local Operations and Union colleagues where relevant
• Experience of using scheduling software such as Omnibus, Hastus or Trapeze
• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s, with Maths and English at least Grade C or above or equivalent.
• Car licence required
• Ability to take ownership of a problem and follow it through to conclusion  
• Ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels
• Ability to cope in sometimes hectic environment and remain confident, calm and patient
• Structured approach to work
• Ability to prioritise your workload and work to deadlines
• Passion for public transport 
• A degree level qualification (desired)
• Knowledge of the bus industry (desired)
• PSV licence and DQC (desired)

For a full job description, please contact the HR Admin Office, email: [email protected] or ring (01865) 785414.  
If you would like to apply, please submit a short cover letter detailing why you believe you have the skills for this role, along with your CV to [email protected] 

Closing date for this position is Friday 20th December 2024.