Duty Fleet Planner

Here's a professional review of the Duty Fleet Planner job description, designed for potential candidates:

East Midlands Railway (EMR) presents an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Duty Fleet Planner to join their dedicated "One Team." This role is central to ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of EMR's train fleet, a critical function within a well-established and reputable organisation that has been accredited as a Top Employer nine times.

If you are looking to advance your career in a strategic, operational planning role within the vital rail sector, this position offers significant advantages.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: As a Duty Fleet Planner, you will be at the forefront of fleet planning, directly influencing the "Golden Plan" and translating long-term strategy into actionable maintenance schedules. This is a role where your strategic thinking and leadership will have tangible, day-to-day results.
• Operational Excellence: You will be instrumental in ensuring trains are available, correctly positioned, and in optimal condition to meet demand. This involves overseeing complex scheduling for maintenance, presentation, and overhauls, directly contributing to the reliability and safety of services.
• Leadership and Development: The role offers the chance to lead, coach, and develop a team, fostering a culture of capability and continuous improvement. EMR's commitment to employee development means you'll have opportunities to enhance your own skills and expertise.
• Cross-Functional Influence: You will represent Engineering in key cross-functional forums, providing a platform to hone your stakeholder management and influencing abilities across various departments and potentially external partners.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: EMR actively embraces diversity and is taking proactive steps to foster an inclusive culture. This is a significant advantage for candidates who value working in an environment that celebrates authenticity and aims to represent the communities it serves.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Beyond a competitive salary, EMR offers a robust benefits package including:
  • An excellent defined benefit pension scheme.
  • Generous holiday entitlement (32 days, rising to 34).
  • Flexible working hours, with an open mind to discussing individual needs.
  • Significant travel benefits, including free duty and leisure travel, and substantial discounts for oneself, partners, and dependants.
  • Access to a wide range of discounts through an employee benefits portal and a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Experience Requirements: The role demands proven leadership experience within a complex, safety-critical, or operational planning environment. Candidates will benefit from a strong educational background (degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Management, or a related field, coupled with demonstrable strategic and analytical skills.
• Technical Proficiency: A high level of IT literacy, including proficiency with MS Office and planning systems (e.g., Integrale), is essential. While not strictly mandatory, in-depth knowledge of the UK rail industry, fleet maintenance processes, and contractual frameworks, as well as technical expertise for potential Duty Maintenance Manager responsibilities, would be highly advantageous for rapid integration and growth.
• Strategic Acumen: Success in this role hinges on the ability to balance operational needs with maintenance demands, drive reliability, safety, and cost efficiency, all while aligning with business and contractual goals. A strong commercial awareness is crucial.
• Blind Screening Process: Candidates are reminded that EMR uses a blind screening process. It is imperative to remove all personal identifying information from your CV to ensure a fair and unbiased assessment.

This Duty Fleet Planner position at East Midlands Railway represents a significant opportunity for individuals looking to make a substantial contribution to a leading rail operator. It offers a chance to shape fleet operations, lead a team, and benefit from a supportive and forward-thinking organisation committed to its people and its service.