Resource Optimization Planning Manager
What’s the role?
This role leads the transformation of how labor and operational resources are forecasted, scheduled, and allocated across airport operations in the UK, Netherlands, and Italy.
It’s about real-time control over labor allocation, reducing inefficiencies in high-cost operations, and building a single regional standard for resource planning — covering tools, governance, and metrics.
What you’ll do
Build and lead regional resource planning strategy (forecasting, rostering, allocation)
Overhaul current planning tools and processes from the ground up
Own the data behind operational resourcing: hours, cost, demand vs supply
Lead the design of workforce planning tools (e.g. shift bidding, swaps, RTC, RMS)
Align resource plans with commercial deals and contract renewals
Coach and hold accountable planning teams across multiple countries
Act fast and decisively during disruptions (irregular ops, strikes, breakdowns)
Reduce emissions and fuel costs through better GSE/fleet utilization
Metrics tied to your performance
Profit/cash targets linked to labor cost efficiency
Worked hours per turnaround
On-time delivery of resource plans vs forecast
Internal adoption of planning system/tools
Labor productivity gains per site
Training completion rate across planning teams
You’ll need to have
Experience managing labor-intensive operations where payroll is 50%+ of cost
History of owning P&L or resource optimization performance in a complex business
Proven ability to lead multi-country teams and standardize planning processes
Strong commercial awareness: linking hours, demand, and contract terms
Analytical strength — can interrogate data, systems, and processes with ease
Post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience)
Fluent English; other languages a plus
Must be eligible for UK airside security clearance and hold a valid UK driver’s license
Location
Role is based out of London Heathrow, with regular travel across UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.