Planning Manager

We are proud to be at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. With over 2,600 employees, our people are the reason we are so successful. Nine times accredited as a Top Employer, we value our people and are dedicated to making sure that everybody feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work. We have an exciting opportunity to join #TeamEMR as a Fleet Long Term Planning Manager . At EMR we want to proactively embrace diversity across our workforce and recognise that we are under-represented in terms of females and ethnic minority groups. We’re therefore taking positive steps to promote a positive and inclusive culture; we welcome applications from those that identify with these groups to better represent our communities. About the role As a Fleet Long Term Planning Manager, you will own the “Rules of the Depot” to ensure timetable changes support safe, efficient, and consistent fleet maintenance. You will provide occasional emergency cover for the Fleet Planning team and be responsible for forecasting and planning all maintenance and modification activities in line with the 36-month Fleet Plan. Additionally, you will project manage and act as the key liaison for initiatives such as blockade management, timetable changes, and overhaul programmes. You will also ensure the Fleet Planning Team has the necessary information for short-term planning, and that robust contingency plans are in place to maintain service delivery. Key responsibilities include: Leadership & Collaboration Act as a role model to promote and nurture corporate values and behaviours. Work collaboratively across the business, representing Engineering to support EMR targets. Ensure personal and business objectives set by the line manager are achieved within agreed timescales. Support the Fleet Planning Manager role when required (e.g. annual leave cover). Internal & External Engagement Attend and contribute to steering group meetings (e.g. Events Committee, train planning, outstation stabling). Represent Fleet Planning with external stakeholders (e.g. Network Rail, Rail Delivery Group, supply chain partners). Liaise internally with Technical, Production, and Materials teams to ensure the Fleet Plan is robust and deliverable. Lead weekly meetings with the Train Maintenance Planner (TMP) regarding timetable changes, blockades, and servicing. Host weekly meetings with key stakeholders to discuss stabling plans, servicing, and ongoing project work, ensuring relevant updates are shared with the Fleet Planning Team. Policy & Process Development Establish and develop new or existing policies, procedures, and work instructions to meet NRC obligations consistently and effectively. Ensure amendments or updates to processes and work instructions are delivered collaboratively and reviewed per company policy. Distribute project-related information (e.g. timetable changes) in a clear and efficient format to the Engineering function. Continuous Improvement & Strategy Play a supporting role in developing strategies and processes to reduce delays and cancellations. Implement improvement actions from the Fleet Performance Improvement team related to tools, processes, or performance. Manage unplanned projects as they arise. GDPR Compliance (Where applicable) Act as the GDPR champion for the Engineering – Planning department. Maintain up-to-date records in line with local and overarching GDPR policies. Report any GDPR breaches promptly to the Data Protection Officer. Serve as the GDPR expert for the department and complete annual refresher training. About you The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills, experience, and attributes: Strong interpersonal and influencing skills across internal and external stakeholders. Solid understanding of both operational and commercial business drivers. Proficient in IT systems, including Infor, Integrale, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent communication, time management, and organisational abilities. A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proven senior-level leadership, supported by an engineering or management qualification, is desirable. In addition, a strong understanding of the rail industry sector, solid knowledge of contract management, performance measurement, and delivery, along with familiarity with Network Rail’s Railway Operational Centre IT and management systems would be advantageous. As well as a competitive salary, we’ll also offer you : An excellent defined benefit Railway pension scheme 32 days’ holiday in the first 2 years; moving up to 34 days’ thereafter Free First Class duty travel on the EMR network Free standard leisure travel on the EMR network and Train Operating Companies under Transport UK & LNER and 75% discount on national leisure travel (inc partner and dependants) Friends and Family discounted tickets on the EMR network Various training opportunities Employee benefits portal with access to generous discounts, Cycle 2 Work Scheme …and many more This position is based in at Etches Park, but we've adopted a flexible hybrid working model that creates the opportunity to work in your own way at home but also provides great spaces for in-person collaboration. We are open minded to applications from people who wish to have flexible working. Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking. Ready to take on this exciting opportunity? Submit your online application form and upload your CV. As we operate a blind screening process, please remove all personal information including your name from your CV.