First Bus Central Services
Norwich, Norfolk
Position Summary The Network Planner is responsible for designing and delivering high quality, efficient, and customer focused bus networks within a defined geographic area. Reporting to the Network Planning Manager, the role balances commercial viability, operational feasibility, and passenger needs. The Network Planner supports tactical and strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross functional coordination to ensure the network supports business goals and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Design and optimise bus routes and timetables using planning software, ensuring alignment with customer demand, operational constraints, and commercial targets. Support tactical service change delivery, contributing to short and medium term modifications in response to local authority requests, punctuality issues, or business priorities. Assist strategic planning activities, providing local insight and data to inform long term network strategies, growth opportunities, and franchising readiness. Monitor and report on service profitability, driving improvement at route level to relevant stakeholders. Provide financial inputs for forecasting, budgeting, and tender submissions, including modelling and scenario analysis for B2B and supported service contracts. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including service registrations, BODS, roadside publicity, and internal governance processes. Collaborate across functions, working closely with Commercial, Operations, Engineering, and external stakeholders to align on timelines, checkpoints, and service changes. Engage local stakeholders such as LTAs, community groups, and internal depots, acting as a trusted partner for the geographic area. Contribute to the structured operating rhythm, feeding into planning cycles, performance reviews, and service delivery governance. Provide general network planning support and other reasonable responsibilities as required. Skills & Experience Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; experience in network or transport planning. Technical proficiency in network planning software (e.g., Prospective) desirable. Commercial awareness and understanding of cost/revenue dynamics in public transport. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Geographical knowledge of the area of operation and responsibility preferred. Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e.g., service registration, BODS). Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning advantageous. Experience with local authorities or public transport partnerships desirable. Ability to perform under pressure in a high pressured environment. Teamwork skills; ability to meet legislative and internal process timelines. Rewards and Benefits Simply Health & Smart Health for you and dependents at no cost, including cash back benefits for optical, dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support, and nutrition/fitness advice. 24 hour, 365 day mental health support via EAP. Discounts on high street brands, supermarkets, and other retailers. Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months and free bus pass. Cycle to work scheme. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Pension scheme and opportunity to buy discounted First Group shares. Enhanced maternity and paternity pay. Flexible working arrangements. Equal Opportunities Public transport serves everyone, whatever your differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all. Reports to: Network Planning Manager Location: East & Midlands - Norwich preferred
Position Summary The Network Planner is responsible for designing and delivering high quality, efficient, and customer focused bus networks within a defined geographic area. Reporting to the Network Planning Manager, the role balances commercial viability, operational feasibility, and passenger needs. The Network Planner supports tactical and strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross functional coordination to ensure the network supports business goals and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Design and optimise bus routes and timetables using planning software, ensuring alignment with customer demand, operational constraints, and commercial targets. Support tactical service change delivery, contributing to short and medium term modifications in response to local authority requests, punctuality issues, or business priorities. Assist strategic planning activities, providing local insight and data to inform long term network strategies, growth opportunities, and franchising readiness. Monitor and report on service profitability, driving improvement at route level to relevant stakeholders. Provide financial inputs for forecasting, budgeting, and tender submissions, including modelling and scenario analysis for B2B and supported service contracts. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including service registrations, BODS, roadside publicity, and internal governance processes. Collaborate across functions, working closely with Commercial, Operations, Engineering, and external stakeholders to align on timelines, checkpoints, and service changes. Engage local stakeholders such as LTAs, community groups, and internal depots, acting as a trusted partner for the geographic area. Contribute to the structured operating rhythm, feeding into planning cycles, performance reviews, and service delivery governance. Provide general network planning support and other reasonable responsibilities as required. Skills & Experience Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; experience in network or transport planning. Technical proficiency in network planning software (e.g., Prospective) desirable. Commercial awareness and understanding of cost/revenue dynamics in public transport. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Geographical knowledge of the area of operation and responsibility preferred. Knowledge of regulatory requirements for bus operations (e.g., service registration, BODS). Understanding of electric vehicle operations and their impact on network planning advantageous. Experience with local authorities or public transport partnerships desirable. Ability to perform under pressure in a high pressured environment. Teamwork skills; ability to meet legislative and internal process timelines. Rewards and Benefits Simply Health & Smart Health for you and dependents at no cost, including cash back benefits for optical, dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support, and nutrition/fitness advice. 24 hour, 365 day mental health support via EAP. Discounts on high street brands, supermarkets, and other retailers. Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months and free bus pass. Cycle to work scheme. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Pension scheme and opportunity to buy discounted First Group shares. Enhanced maternity and paternity pay. Flexible working arrangements. Equal Opportunities Public transport serves everyone, whatever your differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all. Reports to: Network Planning Manager Location: East & Midlands - Norwich preferred