Head of Operational Planning and Control

Head of Operational Planning and Control Job Description

Posted Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 00:00 | Expires Monday 10 August 2026 at 23:59

About the Trust

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

We're excited to welcome a Head of Operational Planning & Control to our new Operations division. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the effective coordination, planning and control of operational activities across the Trust's waterways network, enabling our front-line teams to deliver safe, efficient and reliable services every day.

For a deeper insight into the role, our strategic priorities and what success looks like in this position, please review the candidate briefing pack here .

This is a home-based role which follows a 37 hour working week and will be assigned to one of the Trust's key operational hubs. Regular travel across England and Wales as required to competently perform the role. A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide strategic leadership for the Trust's operational planning, control and support services, ensuring resources, information and coordination are optimised to support network performance.

Leading teams responsible for control room operations, planning and scheduling, logistics, incident management and operational support services, you will create a cohesive and scalable operating model that improves efficiency, consistency and responsiveness across the Trust. You will use data, technology and insight to drive continuous improvement, strengthen operational resilience and support high-quality service delivery.

• Provide strategic leadership for the Trust's operational planning and control functions, ensuring resources, information and operational support services are aligned to deliver safe, efficient and reliable network operations
• Lead diverse teams spanning control room operations, planning and scheduling, logistics, incident management and operational support services, creating a high-performing and integrated function
• Drive operational efficiency, consistency and resilience through effective planning, coordination, standardisation and the intelligent use of data and technology.
• Ensure the Trust maintains a robust incident management capability, providing leadership, coordination and continuous improvement across response and recovery activities.
• Develop and embed scalable operating models that improve productivity, customer service and resource utilisation across the network.
• Build strong relationships across Operations, Engineering, Project Delivery and external partners to ensure aligned decision-making and effective network-wide coordination.
• Provide Gold Command cover as part of the Trust's incident management framework, delivering strategic leadership during major incidents and ensuring effective organisational response and continuity.
• Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life.

You will be an experienced operational leader with a track record of leading planning, control, logistics, scheduling or operational support functions within a complex environment. Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, you'll bring the ability to optimise resources, improve performance and deliver efficient, scalable services.

A collaborative and proactive leader, you'll be known for bringing clarity…