Trainee Network Planning Analyst

Welcome to Metroline Manchester – the Newest Bee on the Block! 🐝

We’re Metroline Manchester, the newest addition to the Bee Network
, buzzing in Greater Manchester since January 2025
! 🚍

Back in March 2024
, we were thrilled to have won four franchise contracts by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) – and just like that, we got to work bringing our services to life. We now operate over 200 routes on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) from Hyde Road (Head Office),
Tameside
, Sharston and Wythenshawe depots.

Well, our roots go back to 1994 when Metroline first hit the roads of London. Fast forward to today, and we’re proud to be the second largest bus operator in the capital
, running around 17% of the city's scheduled services
. Not too shabby, right?

Since 2000
, we’ve been part of the global transport powerhouse Comfort Del Gro , which operates in 13 countries with a fleet of over 54,000 vehicles and a team of 24,000+ colleagues worldwide.

Here in the UK, our 6,000-strong team helps over one million customers get where they need to go every single day – and now, we’re doing it in Manchester too!

Contract: Permanent full time 38 hours per week

Location: Head Office M12 6JS

The Trainee Network Planning & Commercial Analyst supports the planning and commercial functions of the business by providing data analysis, operational reporting, and administrative support. The role focuses on ensuring accurate schedule uploads, analysing mileage and hours statistics, maintaining commercial documentation, and assisting in small-scale commercial projects.

Working closely with the Commercial Manager, the trainee will develop analytical, planning, and project coordination skills while contributing to service and scheduling efficiency.

• Analyse operational and commercial data
• Produce regular reports on mileage, hours, cost performance
• Maintain accurate data records within internal systems
• Identify trends, anomalies, and performance improvement opportunities
• Upload schedules into the allocation system accurately and on time
• Validate data integrity between scheduling and allocation systems
• Support timetable updates and service changes
• Prepare and manage commercial paperwork (Contract variations)
• Lead small commercial or operational improvement projects
• Assist the Commercial Manager on larger projects
• Coordinate information gathering across departments
• Liaise with operations, finance, and planning teams
• Provide ad hoc analytical support as required

• Free Bus Travel for yourself + 3 (companion + 2 children OR 3 children)
• Pension Scheme Contributions
• Benefits Hub
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Excellent written and spoken English with the ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to operate as a team player and work well under pressure.
• Proficient in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
• Highly organised, motivated and able to prioritise workload.
• Ability to manage own workload effectively and work to strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of Operating and Scheduling Agreements and the Law relating to Domestic Drivers Hours regulations.
• Knowledge of the Company’s operating area in Greater Manchester.

Metroline is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.