Operations Planner (Long Marston)

Application Deadline: 2 May 2025

Department: Long Marston

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Warwickshire, Long Marston

Description

Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre
Porterbrook is on an exciting journey at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre (RIC) in Warwickshire, and we’re looking for outstanding people to be a part of our team at the 135-acre site.

We’ve made huge investments here that will see Long Marston RIC play a pivotal role in the future of the UK’s railway, as an exceptional facility to test and trial new traction technologies, securely store rolling stock and provide training in a live environment.

The UK’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train was built and is being tested by Porterbrook here, and we’re also the home of the country’s largest outdoor rail exhibition, Rail Live.

Our small, close-knit and passionate team based at the site ensure that everything runs smoothly across Long Marston RIC each day, and we have some exciting opportunities to join them.

Our Values

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Operations Planner, to join the Porterbrook team.

Role Purpose
To be responsible for the creation of train movement and stabling plans to enable on-time safe delivery of all rail operations undertaken at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre – maximising site utilisation, and optimising resource allocation.

To ensure train movement plans are effectively communicated to all affected stakeholders (internal & external) to ensure priorities are aligned and agreed, and minimise short notice requests.

To support the Operations Manager to address peaks and troughs in the overall workload for the operations team.

Responsibilities

Develop train movements plans to enable optimised safe delivery of all rail operations undertaken at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre – ensuring peaks and troughs are balanced
Support the Operations Manager with resource allocation, balancing train driving, shunting, and training & competence requirements
Implement robust arrangements for the communication of train movements plans to all affected parties (internal & external) to ensure priorities are aligned and agreed, and minimise short notice requests
Attend weekly planning meetings to enable the train movements plans to be created, and to ensure priorities are aligned and agreed, and to minimise short notice requests
Work with the Operations Manager to ensure no conflicts between test track and non-test track train movements
Produce daily work schedules for train drivers and shunters
Monitor fatigue risk profiles of operations team members to enable proactive intervention by the Operations Manager where tolerable thresholds approach exceedance
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders (incl. Train Operators, and Network Rail) to ensure mainline arrivals and departures are included within train movements plans – with hours of site access agreed by all parties, and arrangements in place to minimise ‘out of hours’ access
Ensure the site stabling plan is kept up to date at all times, to enable available capacity to be visualised, and future requirements modelled
Liaise with other Porterbrook departments to ensure a coordinated and controlled approach to the access of trains stabled on site, and that the appropriate permits are issued
Undertake real time monitoring of daily service delivery, informing the Operations Manager of any delays which could prevent full delivery of the plan (i.e. delays due to train failure, late mainline running, infrastructure defects etc)
Ensure track restrictions and speed restrictions are clearly identified on the operations planning board and are communicated to all affected parties
Produce key performance indicators to enable monitoring of train service delivery
Support the Operations Manager with additional operations team activities as required

Skills / Experience

What you'll need to have

A level or equivalent level of experience
Knowledge of a Train Planning system and TRUST
Experience in working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience in planning and problem solving to deliver objectives

It would be great if you also had

Ability to work flexibly to strict timescales and under a high degree of pressure
Well organised with a strong attention to detail
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to plan and deliver activities to deliver business objectives
Ability to exercise sound judgement with good sense of controls
Computer literacy

A great place to work

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:

Investors in People Gold accreditation
Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Silver accreditation
National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Our benefits

We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
Financial wellbeing support
Flexible working
Enhanced family friendly policies
Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
Enhanced Armed Forces policies
Ongoing support with professional and personal development
Long service awards
Porterbrook Star awards
Life assurance
Healthcare cash plan
25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
Additional days annual leave for long service
Season ticket loan

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

To apply

Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.

This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

Porterbrook is a Disability Confident and a Living Wage accredited employer.

If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please let us know. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone can develop to their full potential.

What happens next?

Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.

Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!

Please note we are not accepting approaches from recruitment agencies for this role.

We support

About the role

Skills / Experience

A great place to work

About Porterbrook