Operations Planner

What you'll bring to the team Qualifications & Experience ROLE Summary: The Operations Planner is responsible for ensuring seamless and efficient operational planning and workforce management across the resort. The role focuses on resource scheduling, consolidating reports, and acting as a subject matter expert in staffing solutions. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, the Operations Planner drives operational excellence by improving resource planning, optimizing cost efficiency, and ensuring alignment with the resort's strategic goals. Key responsibilities Workforce Planning and Scheduling: Develop and distribute operational rosters across all departments to meet daily resort requirements. Schedule front-line resources to ensure adequate coverage aligned with budget and unit needs. Consolidate and prepare hours reports for managerial approval to support with ensuring payroll for variable team members is accurate and correct. Plan and manage break schedules to maintain operational efficiency and compliance with labour regulations. Resource Management: Proactively identify and address resourcing challenges to maintain business continuity. Trigger recruitment processes in collaboration with the People team based on operational demand. Develop contingency plans to ensure resources are allocated effectively during internal and external changes. Operational Efficiency: Use existing tools and methodologies to improve planning efficiency and capitalize on revenue opportunities. Partner with departments to optimize resource planning requirements for revenue, cost, and guest experience. Continually analyze resourcing models to track RPC (Resource Per Capita) and Guest KPI performance. Systems and Process Development: Work collaboratively with internal teams to build and enhance tools that support organizational objectives and strategies. Ensure resource planning processes reflect the company culture and values throughout their lifecycle. Compliance and Reporting: Ensure rosters and time plans comply with Labour laws and resort standards. Monitor and report on resource planning metrics, providing insights to support decision-making. Maintain accurate documentation and records for audits and compliance reviews. Health & Safety: Oversee compliance of policies and procedures set forth within the Merlin Entertainments Group Health, Safety and Security Policy. Understand risk assessments and ensure reporting of any new risks as appropriate. In cases of incidents or accidents ensure appropriate reporting is done in a timely and accurate manner. Actively share ideas, comments, and suggestions for improving safety within their work areas with their appropriate line manager. Experience and qualifications Proven experience in workforce planning, operational scheduling, or resource management, preferably in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment such as hospitality, leisure, or attractions. Demonstrated experience working with scheduling tools, workforce management systems, and analyzing operational data to drive resource efficiency. Strong understanding of labour laws, compliance standards, and best practices in workforce planning and resourcing. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with operational planning systems. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder relationships. Skills and Competencies Workforce Planning Expertise:  Ability to create efficient schedules, optimize resource allocation, and proactively address staffing challenges to meet business demands. Operational Excellence:  Demonstrated ability to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency. Data-Driven Decision-Making:  Proficiency in analyzing workforce data, identifying trends, and leveraging insights to drive resource and cost efficiency. Attention to Detail:  Maintain meticulous and accurate records related to rosters, compliance, and reporting, ensuring precision and consistency. Collaboration:  Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and operational success. Adaptability:  Flexibility to respond to changing operational requirements, guest volumes, and unexpected challenges while maintaining high standards. Behaviours A Merlin job is like no other. Our values— Own Your Craft , Go Together , Enjoy the Ride , Drive & Discover , and We Care —guide the behaviours that set us apart. By living these values, we bring joy, create connections, and make lasting memories for our guests, while fostering a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Own Your Craft: Continuously sharpen your expertise, seek personal growth, and help others to develop in their roles. Actively listen to feedback and integrate it into improving performance. Stay curious and draw inspiration from both industry and the broader world to keep at the cutting edge of entertainment. Go Together: Foster strong, trusting relationships by collaborating with colleagues across teams, locations, and cultures. Work together to solve problems, leveraging diverse perspectives to find the best solutions. Commit to decisions once made, and act swiftly to drive progress and deliver results. Enjoy the Ride: Bring a sense of fun, positivity, and energy to the workplace, creating a joyful environment. Support and encourage others during challenges, viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Cultivate a welcoming atmosphere where people feel valued, included, and like they belong. Drive & Discover: Take ownership of your work, delivering excellence by seeing tasks through to completion. Prioritise tasks that have the greatest impact, focusing on quality over quantity. Proactively explore new opportunities to improve guest experiences, taking calc