Are you an exceptional Planner working within the Rail industry looking for your next challenge as Head of Planning for a company often described as the backbone of Manchester?

Ford & Stanley - The Rail Recruitment Experts are currently seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Planning specialist for a light rail operator in the North West of England.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to play a key part in providing the management information and insight that will support the continued growth of the business and its ongoing development. You will contribute to delivering a strategic business plan for the organisation and responsible for setting and delivering agreed KPI's.

Location (s): Manchester

Role and Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and lead direct reports and the Operations Planning Manager.
• Setting and delivering agreed KPI's.
• Working as part of the Senior Management team to develop and deliver the strategic business plan for the organisation.
• Develop an annual budget and business plan for Operations, identifying key activities and priorities.
• Ensuring staff levels and operating costs are met and managed effectively within budgetary constraints.
• Responsible for making sure that the customer experience is a key focus for the operations department.
• Ensure relevant and documented standards regulations and statues are adhered to.
• Developing and maintaining a professional relationship with key stakeholders.
• Facilitating safe management of change and effective implementation of new procedures.
• Be an ambassador for the company by working with internal and external stakeholders.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate must have an excellent understanding of railway operations (light/heavy rail). You must also have experience of complex problem solving, decision making and change management processes. It is important you can demonstrate effective relationship management, interpersonal skills, communication and negotiating skills.

Essentials

• Understanding of the railway operations.
• Educated to degree standard in a relevant discipline to the rail or transport industry or holds professional qualification in management or business studies.
• Proficient in excel and the ability to present data in all Microsoft packages.
• Experience of complex problem solving, decision making, and change management processes.
• Managerial responsibilities including strategic leadership.
• Excellent motivational and communication skills.

Closing Date: 27th October 2017

Likely Job Titles: Head of Planning, Senior Planning, Planning, Planner