Resource Planner

About the role

The Port of Dover is seeking a highly organised and proactive Resource Planner to join our Port Resource Unit. This is a critical operational role responsible for ensuring the right people, with the right skills, are in the right place at the right time across a diverse and fast-paced operation.
Working closely with operational managers and the Workforce Planning Manager, you will plan and coordinate resources across multiple business areas including Cargo, Cruise, Security, EES, Marina, Port Reception and Eastern Docks Operations, helping to ensure the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of services.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Resource Planner, you will:
 

• Plan and allocate labour resources to meet operational demand across the Port.
• Schedule staff using the Oracle Workforce Scheduling system.
• Coordinate resources based on vessel schedules, forecast volumes and operational service requirements.
• Create, maintain and publish shift patterns and roster changes.
• Monitor staffing levels and proactively resolve resource shortages.
• Balance annual leave, training and operational requirements to maximise workforce effectiveness.
• Identify skills gaps and escalate workforce planning risks.
• Provide accurate payroll information including hours worked, overtime, sickness and annual leave.
• Produce workforce reports and management information using Oracle and Microsoft Excel.
• Liaise with managers and operational teams to ensure service levels are maintained.
• Respond quickly to operational changes, providing effective solutions with minimal disruption.
• Participate in the on-call rota, approximately one week in every three weeks, including weekends (additional remuneration applies).

What We're Looking For
Essential
 

• Experience within a workforce planning, resource planning or capacity planning role.
• Experience using workforce scheduling or planning systems such as Oracle, SAP or equivalent.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas and data analysis.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Experience within a maritime, port, airport, transport, logistics or operational environment.
• Understanding of workforce planning principles and shift-based operations.
• Knowledge of payroll administration processes.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

About You
You'll be:
 

• A natural problem solver who thrives under pressure.
• Analytical and data-driven in your approach.
• Highly organised with exceptional planning skills.
• Confident communicating with colleagues at all levels.
• Flexible and adaptable when operational priorities change.
• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Focused on delivering excellent customer service and operational outcomes.

What Success Looks Like
In this role, you'll be responsible for:
 

• Ensuring resource plans are published at least one month in advance.
• Maintaining accurate workforce records within Oracle Workforce Scheduling.
• Achieving operational staffing requirements while controlling labour costs.
• Resolving resource shortages quickly and cost-effectively.
• Supporting accurate payroll processing through timely and accurate data entry.
• Building strong working relationships with operational teams and stakeholders.
• Delivering high-quality planning solutions that support operational performance and customer service.

Why Join the Port of Dover?
The Port of Dover is a vital gateway to the UK, operating around the clock and supporting millions of passengers and significant freight volumes every year.
 

In return, you'll benefit from:

• A varied and rewarding operational role.
• The opportunity to make a real impact across a complex and high-profile operation.
• A supportive team environment.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Additional remuneration for participation in the on-call rota.
• The opportunity to contribute to the success of one of the UK's most important ports.

Benefits

• 20 days holiday entitlement (plus bank holidays)
• Auto enrolment pension (after 3 months) 
• Free parking 
• Employee assistance programme 
• 3rd party discounts 
• Benefits and reward platform 

• Employee volunteering scheme 

  
  

Hours of work: Monday – Friday 37.5hrs per week
Salary: IRO £32k

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All applications are reviewed by our team - we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date: 13 November 2026 at 5pm

This vacancy may close earlier than the above closing date, if we receive a sufficient number of applications.