Planning and Scheduling Specialist

Plan smarter. Lead with clarity. Drive operational performance

We have an exciting opportunity for a Planning and Scheduling Specialist to join our team and play a critical role in shaping, delivering and optimising our operational plans. You’ll lead the teams responsible for short‑term planning, ensure seamless collaboration with Operational Delivery, and help build a high‑performing, customer‑focused function that delivers for our customers, our Networks and Cadent as a whole.

This role is essential in converting strategic plans into operational reality, balancing resources, performance, resilience and regulatory outputs while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen performance across the Network.

Why you will love this role

• Lead and develop high‑performing teams. You’ll guide, coach and support teams responsible for short‑term planning, ensuring they deliver high‑quality plans that support operational excellence and customer outcomes.


• Drive collaboration across Operations. By working closely with Operational Planning and Delivery teams, you’ll help align Network Annual Plans with day‑to‑day delivery and ensure our teams hit annual targets.


• Enhance performance and productivity. You’ll spot opportunities to improve delivery, performance and resource utilisation—proactively supporting recovery plans and boosting overall productivity.


• Shape meaningful planning processes. You’ll translate strategic workload plans into actionable cycle plans and develop clear, effective standard operating procedures to strengthen end‑to‑end planning.


• Strengthen relationships and influence outcomes. You’ll work with functional leaders, operational colleagues and workstack owners to ensure timely, high‑quality execution while supporting regulatory and business objectives.

What you will bring

• Strong experience leading teams in fast‑paced, operational environments.


• Good understanding of Cadent’s operational processes, ways of working and planning cycles.


• Practical knowledge of programme or project management principles.


• Strong problem‑solving capability supported by data analysis and performance insight.


• Understanding of relevant legislation, policy, procedures and HSE regulations.


• Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Confident coach, able to support development and promote process compliance.

Ready to shape planning excellence at Cadent? Join us as a Planning and Scheduling Specialist and help drive smarter planning, stronger performance and a more resilient operational network.