Planner

Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells
Salary: £29,684 per annum

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for a Repairs Scheduler to join a busy repairs and maintenance operation in Royal Tunbridge Wells. This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and customer-focused individual with previous planning or scheduling experience to play a key role in delivering an efficient and responsive repairs service.

You will be responsible for scheduling and coordinating repair works, ensuring the right operative or specialist subcontractor is allocated to each job, appointments are managed effectively and works are completed within agreed contractual timescales.

Working closely with operational Managers, Supervisors and operatives, you will help maximise productivity, improve first-time fixes and ensure the service consistently meets its contractual KPIs and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule and plan repair works, allocating the appropriate trade and resource to each job.
• Ensure appointment slots are suitable for the type of work required and planned efficiently by geographical area to minimise unnecessary travel.
• Ensure all new works orders received via mailboxes, portals and planning systems are scheduled promptly.
• Monitor appointments and workforce diaries to ensure scheduled visits are completed as planned.
• Maintain accurate system records, including completions, rejected appointments and contractor information.
• Identify and report appointment failures, delays and emerging issues to the relevant Manager.
• Monitor workflows and follow-on works, ensuring follow-on jobs remain within agreed WIP targets.
• Produce, monitor and communicate WIP information, including routine and void works against targets.
• Work closely with Supervisors and Managers to optimise operative productivity and service delivery.
• Coordinate appointments involving multiple trades, operatives or subcontractors.
• Review operative diaries to ensure works are ready to proceed, taking into account materials, testing requirements and other dependencies.
• Support the delivery and improvement of first-time fixes wherever possible.
• Carry out daily checks and provide feedback regarding operative conduct, attendance, performance and PDA/system usage.
• Assist colleagues with the investigation and resolution of complaints and queries from tenants, residents and staff.
• Maintain effective communication with the client and ensure relevant databases and records are kept up to date.
• Assist with obtaining and recording materials and supplier cost information.
• Identify trends, recurring issues and workflow problems and report these to management.
• Maintain a proactive, customer-focused approach and contribute to continuous improvement across the service.
• Support the wider team with additional duties and responsibilities as required.

About You

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, confident working in a fast-paced operational environment and able to manage competing priorities effectively.

You will have excellent communication skills and be comfortable liaising with colleagues, contractors, managers and customers. Attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to use scheduling and administrative systems accurately while working to deadlines and performance targets.

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience in a planning or scheduling role.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when maintaining records and scheduling works.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and service delivery.
• Customer-focused attitude with a commitment to delivering a high-quality service.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience within social housing repairs and maintenance.
• Experience scheduling maintenance, repairs or property services.
• Familiarity with works order, workforce management or repairs scheduling systems.
• Understanding of KPIs, WIP management and first-time-fix targets.

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £29,684 per annum
• Permanent opportunity
• Based in Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Opportunity to join a busy and customer-focused repairs and maintenance operation
• Training and additional support provided where required