The Team

The Operational Planning team sits within the Operations Strategy & Planning function and leads cross-functional planning activities across the operation, particularly in the context of our network and schedule. Operational Planning is central to a large volume of cross-functional initiatives, driving value across the operation in line with our ambition to excel in planning and analytics.

The Role

As Operational Planning Manager – Schedule, you will:

>      Act as the operational authority on schedule operability, shaping the future programme across multiple AOCs and delivering improved operational and financial outcomes

>      Provide strategic leadership, scenario-driven planning expertise, and executive-level challenge to ensure future schedules are robust, safe, efficient, and optimised for profitability

>      Influence commercial decision-making at the earliest stages, set the operational risk appetite for new schedules, and ensure all operational teams are fully prepared for future seasons

>      Oversee enterprise-level planning initiatives, major schedule disruptions, and long-term resilience programmes, including airport infrastructure changes, regulatory shifts, geopolitical factors, and large-scale event planning

>      Hold executive accountability for the planning, negotiation, and delivery of all external wet-lease (ACMI) operations, shaping strategy, cost, and supplier performance

>      Lead and develop a high-performing team of planners, fostering a culture of analytical excellence and continuous improvement

Requirements of the Role

What we’re looking for

>      Proven management experience and a minimum of five years within an airline operations department

>      Strategic analytical experience, with a passion for understanding detail, extracting data, and enabling trade-off discussions

>      Educated to degree level in a mathematical or equivalent field

>      Business planning experience with the ability to balance operational, strategic, and commercial needs, and a strong grasp of the detail within the bigger picture

>      Commercial awareness and excellent communication skills

>      Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment

>      Strong communication skills and the ability to interact and influence at all levels, presenting complex information simply to internal and external stakeholders

>      Robust problem-solving and analytical skills, with a challenging mind-set

>      Experience managing complex, cross-functional projects

>      Resilience and the ability to work under pressure

>      Demonstrable experience of continuous process improvement

>      Ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a high-functioning team

What you’ll get in return

>      Up to 20% maximum bonus

>      PMI

>      7% pension contributions

>      Excellent staff travel benefits

>      25 days of annual leave + bank holidays

>      Annual credit towards an easyJet holiday

>      Various flexible benefits and extras

This full-time role will be based in Luton and will be 40 hours per week. We support hybrid working and we spend 60% of our time per month in the office.