Long Term Planner

Work with Network Rail and industry stakeholders to deliver long-term timetable and engineering access planning activities for Freightliner, including:

• Maintenance of the Working Timetable to ensure train paths and train slots held meet Freightliner's business requirements across timetable changes.

• Optimisation of the Working Timetable to deliver clarity, resilience and efficiency to Freightliner operations through continuous improvement.

• Management and coordination of Engineering Access Planning activities to minimise operational impact, protect Freightliner's commercial interests and maximise network availability for freight services.

• Represent Freightliner in industry planning forums to ensure that planned possessions, infrastructure enhancements and engineering works are effectively integrated into long-term operational plans.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver an efficient Working Timetable that meets Freightliner's current and future commercial requirements in the most cost-effective way possible.

• Maintain the Working Timetable for the delivery of Freightliner's services.

• Deliver continuous improvement initiatives relating to timetable planning, train service performance and network capacity utilisation.

• Support and coordinate Engineering Access Planning activities, ensuring Freightliner's interests are represented during possession planning and timetable development processes.

• Support the impact of planned engineering works and possessions, developing mitigation strategies and alternative service plans where required.

• Work collaboratively with Network Rail, customers and internal stakeholders to minimise disruption arising from engineering access requirements.

• Contribute to the workload of the Long Term and Engineering Access Planning team to ensure compliance with the Network Code and industry planning processes.

• Foster excellent relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to position Freightliner as an industry leader in timetable and engineering access planning.

• Support timetable change programmes and major project activities affecting Freightliner services.

• Produce detailed analysis, reports and recommendations to support strategic planning decisions.

• Carry out any duty commensurate with the post, as directed by the Long Term Planning and Engineering Acess Manager or their nominated representative.

Key Job Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of freight train operations with a sound understanding of railway geography.

• Comprehensive knowledge of industry timetable planning processes, including the Network Code, timetable development timescales and associated processes.

• Good understanding of engineering access planning processes, possession planning and the operational impacts of infrastructure maintenance and enhancement works.

• Ability to interpret planned engineering access requirements and develop effective timetable and operational solutions.

• Good computer skills, including the ability to use train planning software such as ATTune, VoyagerPlan, Integrale, TPS, TOPS, TRUST and general Microsoft Office applications.

• This role will involve some travel and may require staying away from home on occasion.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, able to analyse data, evaluate options and implement effective solutions.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff across Freightliner and the wider rail industry.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to multitask and work well under pressure, prioritising tasks and managing conflicting demands.

• Ability to navigate complex problems and ensure effective, balanced and timely decision-making.

• Ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders while maintaining independence and objectivity.

• Understanding of freight customer requirements and the commercial drivers affecting rail freight operations.

Behavioural Competencies

• Exhibits and lives the Group Corporate Values.

• Attacks goals and objectives with drive, energy and enthusiasm.

• Demonstrates a proactive approach to work and uses initiative to implement improvements.

• Embraces new challenges, adopts a hands-on approach and delivers results.

• Sets high standards of work for self and others and consistently achieves these standards.

• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and openness, combined with a commitment to good governance.

• Energetic, highly motivated and passionate about excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Listens attentively to others' perspectives and provides constructive feedback and coaching.

• Builds collaborative relationships across the industry to achieve shared objectives and successful outcomes.

• Maintains a customer-focused mindset while balancing operational and commercial priorities.