Operations Planner Stoke-on-Trent, UK

Merlin Entertainments; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company based at Alton Towers Resort is seeking an Operations Planner to oversee workforce planning and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have experience in resource management and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include scheduling, managing resource challenges, and ensuring compliance with labour laws. Benefits include discounts across Merlin attractions and a competitive salary package of £28,000 annually.

Benefits

40% discount off LEGO® sets

Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets

25% discount in Merlin retail shops

Employee assistance programme

Ongoing training & development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in workforce planning, scheduling, or resource management.
• Background in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment, preferably in hospitality.
• Strong understanding of labour laws and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Create and distribute operational rosters to meet daily requirements.
• Schedule front-line teams according to budgets and operational needs.
• Prepare hours reports to support payroll accuracy.

Skills

Workforce planning

Resource optimisation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Operations Planner

Location: Alton Towers Resort

Reports to: Senior Planning and Resource Manager

The Role

At Alton Towers Resort, no two days are the same — and that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for an Operations Planner to play a pivotal role in delivering seamless, efficient workforce planning across the resort. Working closely with operational leaders and support teams, you’ll ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time, supporting exceptional guest experiences while driving cost efficiency and operational excellence.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a data-driven planner who thrives in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment and enjoys collaborating across teams to make a real impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Workforce Planning & Scheduling
• Create and distribute operational rosters across all resort departments to meet daily requirements
• Schedule front-line teams to ensure appropriate coverage aligned with budgets and operational needs
• Prepare and consolidate hours reports to support accurate payroll for variable team members
• Plan and manage break schedules, ensuring efficiency and compliance with labour regulations
• Resource Management
• Proactively identify and resolve resourcing challenges to maintain business continuity
• Work with the People team to trigger recruitment activity based on operational demand
• Develop contingency plans to manage change and fluctuating demand

Qualifications & Experience

What We’re Looking For

• Experience & Qualifications
• Proven experience in workforce planning, scheduling, or resource management
• Background in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment (hospitality, leisure, attractions preferred)
• Strong understanding of labour laws, compliance, and workforce planning best practices
• Experience using scheduling tools and analysing operational data
• Confident user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Skills & Competencies

• Strong workforce planning and resource optimisation skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in reporting
• Data-driven, analytical mindset with a focus on efficiency
• Collaborative approach with strong stakeholder management skills
• Adaptable and resilient in changing operational environments

If you’re passionate about planning, problem-solving, and helping create unforgettable guest experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Benefits

• 40% discount off LEGO® sets and products on the online LEGO Store!
• Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world!
• 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants (a brilliant extra treat when you’re using your Magic Pass to visit!)
• Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes to gift to loved ones!
• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Ongoing training & development

Pay Range

Compensation between GBP £28,000.00/Yr.-GBP £28,000.00/Yr.