As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are looking to recruit a Strategic Production Planner, on a full time permanent basis based in Birmingham.

You will, Support the Planning Manager in delivery of the WMT DMU fleet maintenance plan and other third-party work and key contracts. Also, to analyse and identify robust improvement opportunities to drive productivity, cost and efficiency.

What does the job involve?

• Develop a robust DMU fleet maintenance and repair plan (L4 & L5).
• Plan management of engineering activities for the NDT, wheel lathe, and all maintenance programmes and engineering projects on the WMT fleet.
• Liaise with Materials team and notify of material issues and exceptions which will impact on maintenance plans or projects.
• Coordinate and work with Production teams to ensure resource levels within the allocated teams are at the required levels to ensure maintenance plan can be achieved.
• Laise with Training and Production team to ensure the correct allocation of resource is maintained and the correct competency levels are available to deliver safe work and meets all regulatory requirements.
• Effective management and planning of defects reported in the SQR process and campaigns raised across all WMT and XC fleets to ensure they are planned for completion to specification and within set timelines.
• Creating and managing of maintenance plan in line with other programmes of work, project timing and action plans related to the required engineering activities.
• Working with both internal and external parties for the delivery of engineering activities on-time and to budget, this will be for the work brought in for the wheel lathe operations.
• Work with Production teams and other stakeholders to agree increase of works to accommodate 3rd party level 5 maintenance work with the depot. This is achieved by developing and agreeing planning for all works with depot and commercial teams to ensure all scopes of work to be undertaken.   
• Work closely with WMT Contract Manager to ensure all third-party work is planned and delivered to expected levels.
• Report on KPI and progress of maintenance plan activities and highlight any issues that may prevent or impact the successful delivery of plan.
• To support the Planning Manager with the delivery of new strategic partnerships that lead to organisational growth; this would be working closely with 3rd parties to look at expanding the work delivered on the wheel lathe and the function of the NDT team.
• Contribute to the delivery of commercial agreements with any programmes of work or 3rd party work brought onto the depot and development of further plans and projects with focus on engagement from the depot.
• Support and develop maintenance plan in line with all resource levels for staffing, material and tooling for programmes of work.
• Ensure all WMT work streams are completed to agreed timescales and production plan.

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

•  Understanding of depot operation and planning process.
•  Strong planning and analytical skills.
•  Strong interpersonal skills.
•  Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
•  ILM3 qualification.
•  Risk Assessor

***Please note - Rail experience is not essential***

What are the salary and benefits?

• Competitive Salary + benefits
• Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK
• Hybrid working, 2-3 days based in Birmingham office with the need for flexibility
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.