Job Description
A well-established rail infrastructure operator is looking for a Planning and Rostering Manager based in Derby. This is a key operational leadership role focused on the creation, management, and oversight of staff rosters across infrastructure maintenance and freight services. The successful candidate will be the main point of contact for all rostering activities and will also support resource planning to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective service delivery.
You'll lead a small team of Resource Planners and collaborate closely with operational and delivery teams to ensure workforce deployment is aligned with customer needs, staff terms and conditions, and safety-critical requirements such as fatigue management.
The key responsibilities for this Planning and Rostering Manager role are:
1. Own and manage the full roster cycle for infrastructure teams, ensuring efficient and compliant deployment of staff.
2. Act as the primary contact for all rostering matters within infrastructure maintenance, closely liaising with the rail services rostering and delivery teams, making the best use of the Route Knowledge Portfolio.
3. Manage and support two Resource Planners, including performance management and daily operational oversight to ensure all work is completed on time and to the expected quality.
4. Ensure all rosters are delivered accurately and on time, factoring in customer requirements, route knowledge, and staff agreements.
5. Support planning of future resource needs in coordination with delivery and operations teams.
6. Work closely with freight management, infrastructure leads, and national operators to provide timely updates on resource status.
7. Participate in an on-call management rota (training provided if required).
Experience required for this Planning and Rostering Manager role are:
8. Extensive experience in rostering and workforce scheduling, preferably within rail or transport operations.
9. Proven ability to manage and develop a small team.
10. Strong background in dealing with an operational work force and creating rosters for staff that work on a variable shift pattern.
11. Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and communication skills.
12. Able to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach.
13. Familiar with rail systems such as NROL and TRUST.
14. Confident communicator with the ability to liaise effectively across all levels.
15. Sound knowledge of the UK railway network and geography.
16. Experience in making tough decisions in challenging situations to safely and cost effectively deliver to the customer expectations.
17. Knowledge and experience of the requirements to consider staff fatigue when producing rosters.
18. Capable of managing change, resolving conflict, and maintaining service quality.
19. Full UK driving licence required.