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.
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.
- 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 calculated risks to drive innovation.
We Care:
- Go above and beyond for both guests and colleagues, showing thoughtfulness in every interaction.
- Uphold uncompromising standards of safety, security, and welfare, prioritising the well-being of everyone.
- Actively contribute to making a positive impact on the environment and local communities, demonstrating social responsibility in all decisions.