At Colas Rail, we have over one hundred years of experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of train run on tracks built or maintained by Colas Rail. We deliver on the challenges set by a rapidly changing railway environment - constantly seeking to adapt our behaviour and culture to not only meet and exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders, but to also continuously develop and support our people.
Purpose of the Role
1. To manage a team of Freight Resource Planners, ensuring necessary resources are allocated efficiently and rosters are issued in the required time scale to deliver all Colas Rail Freight services safely, on time and on budget.
2. Resources will be allocated in line with our Colas Rail T&C’s, rostering guidelines & customer orders.
3. To act as a point of contact for the Freight Management Team for all resourcing related matters.
4. To own the rostering process from creation to delivery, working closely with freight delivery managers, and under the direction of Freight Performance and Policy manager
5. To continually develop systems and processes.
Person Specification
6. Extensive knowledge and experience of rostering and planning ideally in a rail freight environment.
7. Experience in leading and developing a team
8. Background in dealing with an operational work force, and staff that work on a variable shift pattern.
9. Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and communication skills.
10. Able to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach.
11. Computer literate with extensive experience in using Microsoft Office (Excel mainly). Experience in using diagramming tools would be beneficial.
12. Competent on using Network Rail Online Logistics (NROL) and Train Running Under System TOPS (TRUST)
13. Excellent attention to detail with a problem-solving mindset
14. Be assertive and confident when dealing with issues.
15. Have knowledge and understanding of operational staff terms and conditions.
16. Experience in making tough decisions in challenging situations to safely and cost effectively deliver to the customer expectations.
17. Excellent geographical knowledge of the UK railway infrastructure network
18. To be able to present information in a clear and concise manner.
19. Be able to communicate with personnel at all levels.
20. Knowledge of rules and regulations as applicable to Freight operations
21. A proven team player who has the ability to deliver in what could be described as demanding circumstances.
22. Holder of full UK driving licence
Key Responsibilities
Key Areas of Responsibility & Accountability
23. To lead, motivate, and develop the Freight Rostering Team.
24. To act as a guiding mind for all rostering matters.
25. To act as cover for team members when required.
Safety
26. Manage the production of traincrew diagrams / rosters efficiently and in-line with Colas Rail rostering guidelines, principles, and terms & conditions.
27. Oversee the input of traincrew diagrams / rostered shifts into the Fatigue Management system.
28. Have full understanding of NR/L2/OHS/003 Fatigue Standard with regards to fatigue considerations when producing traincrew rosters.
29. Comply with company policies on Safety Tours and Safety Briefs in a professional manner.
Quality
30. Ensure that the output of the rostering team is best in class regarding quality and accuracy.
31. Ensure all diagrams comply with company policies, and consider;
32. Impact on staff safety and fatigue,
33. Efficient staff utilisation,
34. Efficient use of Hotels, Taxi’s, and external hire.
35. Work with the delivery managers to resolve day to day issues, resource plans, and work allocation.
36. Monitor changes to the plan as it develops over the week.
37. Liaise with Business Managers, Planning Manager and SCO possession planner for SCO work acceptance.
Profitability
38. Work to ensure that rosters are continually improved.
39. Work with other departments to improve the efficiency of the overall train plan.
The above does not limit your duties and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake any work within your capabilities and capacity.
As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.
What We Offer
40. Competitive Salary
41. 26 days Annual Leave
42. Industry leading Life Assurance
43. Healthcare Cash Plan
44. Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
45. Pension Scheme
46. Eye Care Vouchers
47. Long Service Award
48. Season Ticket Loan
49. Occupational Health Service
Colas Rail in the United Kingdom hold three core values: Care, Share and Dare. We take care of our employees, always ensuring safety is a top priority and we nurture our collective wellbeing. We share a passion for what we do, celebrate our achievements and value high standards like nowhere else. We dare to take on new challenges; we are one of the international leaders in our industry. We continually innovate and expand in new markets.
We value and encourage diversity in our workforce, regardless of background, disability, age, religion, or gender. As part of our aim to deliver quality services, we are committed to promoting equality and eliminating discrimination. We will create a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We are committed to the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme.