Are you a HASTUS expert with a passion for public transport planning? Do you thrive on leading complex scheduling projects and driving operational excellence across multiple operating companies? If so, we want to hear from you.
Purpose of the Role
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Group Head of Planning to lead our central planning function. You’ll own the Group’s HASTUS strategy and delivery, produce high-quality schedules for projects and tenders, and uphold consistent planning standards across our operating companies (OpCos).
Key Responsibilities
HASTUS Ownership & Implementation
- Lead the GIRO vendor relationship, roadmap, licensing, SLAs, and escalations.
- Plan and execute HASTUS rollouts and upgrades, including testing, cutover, fallback, and hypercare.
- Define and maintain Group-wide HASTUS data models and naming conventions.
- Oversee integrations with BODS, AVL, ticketing, and other core systems.
- Manage user access and ensure licence compliance.
Scheduling for Projects & Tenders
- Lead schedule builds for bids and network changes.
- Produce PVR, duty, and roster summaries with clear assumptions.
- Run scenario tests for cost, reliability, and EV readiness.
- Deliver submission-ready exports and concise narratives.
Standards & Governance
- Maintain Group Planning Standards and change logs.
- Set minimum data quality checks (TXC, GTFS, internal extracts).
- Conduct periodic reviews and audits of timetables, blocks, and duties.
- Track and close out audit actions across OpCos.
EV Readiness
- Embed EV planning rules reflecting charging and SOC constraints.
- Coordinate with Engineering on charger availability and bay usage.
- Report on EV impacts to blocks, duties, and layover.
Data, Tools & Analytics
- Define a single source of truth for planning data.
- Curate shared scripts, templates, and dashboards.
- Track planning quality metrics and post-publication defects.
People & Stakeholder Engagement
- Line manage central planners and analysts.
- Facilitate planning forums and training across OpCos.
- Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Finance, Engineering, and IT teams.
Success Measures
- Timely and stable HASTUS upgrades.
- Compliance with Group planning standards.
- High tender quality scores and win rates.
- Reduced planning defects and improved resource efficiency.
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- 5+ years of hands-on HASTUS experience (Vehicle, Crew, Geo, ATP, Minbus, CrewOpt, RosterOpt).
- Exposure to HASTUS Daily modules is a plus.
- Senior planning leadership in bus or public transport.
- Proven success in delivering schedule changes and tenders.
- Familiarity with TransXChange, NaPTAN, BODS, GTFS, and EV fleet planning.
Skills
- Expert-level HASTUS user.
- Strong scheduling and duty design capabilities.
- Excellent documentation and facilitation skills.
- Data-literate with the ability to brief analysts effectively.
- Strong governance mindset with pragmatic problem-solving.
Qualifications
- Degree in transport planning, operations research, engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Project management training is advantageous.
Practical Details
- Travel to UK and overseas OpCos required.
- Participation in out-of-hours cutovers when needed.
Ready to lead the future of transport planning?
Apply now and drive excellence across our network.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLE REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 4 DAYS IN THE OFFICE
