Long Term Planner

Freightliner is a leading UK intermodal logistics provider, offering rail, road and terminal solutions that connect ports, inland terminals and customer destinations across the UK. Through innovation, safety and sustainability, Freightliner delivers reliable, efficient and lower-carbon supply chain solutions for its customers.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Purpose of the Role:

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.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.