Operations Schedule Planning Optimisation Lead

Job Description - Operations Schedule Planning Optimisation Lead (16196)

Team

We're looking for a proactive and innovative Operations Schedule Planning Optimisation Lead to join our Operational Planning department.

This is a key role within the Operations Schedule Planning team, reporting to the Operations Schedule Planning Manager. You will be at the forefront of shaping our commercial flight schedule to be resilient, cost-efficient, and operationally feasible, while also ensuring it supports long-term strategic goals. Acting as a team leader, you will supervise and guide our team of Operations Schedule Planning Analysts, contributing to both their success and the team's broader objectives.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll take the lead on shaping the future of our schedule performance capability, owning the delivery of long-term system enhancements and driving forward our simulation and forecasting roadmap. You'll play a key role in building more resilient, efficient schedules - working with stakeholders across the business and using advanced simulation tools to influence data-led decisions. By partnering with the Operations Insight & Improvement team, you'll ensure observed operational performance is accounted for into future planning, helping us forecast with greater precision and confidence. You'll also be a key advocate to build awareness of opportunities relating to schedule performance simulation, and increasing knowledge and understanding of potential local benefits cases.

You'll be at the heart of our schedule performance simulation and forecasting within Operations, maximising its impact through close collaboration with internal system owners and external suppliers. You'll support scenario planning throughout the schedule build process and shape the development of key operational parameters that influence our daily performance. Through modelling and calibration, you'll help ensure our schedules are built with the right level of resilience by identifying impactful future trends and resilience volumes.

Beyond the schedule itself, you'll champion continuous improvement across Operations by exploring new initiatives and connecting cost insights with broader business decisions through close partnership with Finance. You'll also play a vital leadership role, supporting the Operations Schedule Planning Manager in guiding and developing our team of Analysts, helping them grow while delivering impactful, high-quality work.

What you'll need to do the role:

To succeed in this role, you'll bring a strong foundation in strategic analytics and data modelling. You should have experience in using data to drive improvements and trade-off discussions, and be comfortable operating in complex, data-driven environments. A degree in a mathematical or similar discipline is required, along with experience in analytical and problem-solving roles. Practical knowledge of database tools such as MS SQL and strong Excel skills are essential.

We're looking for someone with excellent communication skills who can present complex information in a clear and engaging way to senior stakeholders. You'll also need to understand crew scheduling and flight time limitations, and have experience in continuous process improvement. Above all, you'll be resilient under pressure and comfortable supporting both strategic work and day-to-day team supervision.

If you're ready to lead from the front and shape the future of our operational planning through innovation, insight, and leadership, we'd love to hear from you!

What you'll get in return:

Competitive base salary
Up to 20% bonus
25 days holiday
BAYE, SAYE & Performance share schemes
5% pension
Life Assurance
Flexible benefits package
Excellent staff travel benefits

Location & Hours of Work:

This is a full time role, working 40 hours per week, based in London Luton. We support hybrid working and spend three days per week in the office.

Apply

Complete your application on our careers site.

We encourage individuality, empower our people to seize the initiative, and never stop learning. We see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates.

Business Area

Business Area Operations

Primary Location