Organisation: Sydney Trains
Job Title: Rostering Officer
Word Limit: 250pp
Location: Sydney NSW
Working knowledge of rostering systems and processes within an operational environment
In my current position as Operations Controller and Duty Operations Manager with Cobham Aviation, I am responsible for the compliant management of planning, coordination and execution of the flying program, aircrew rosters and fleet management. Accountable for the data integrity of all rosters and regularly conducting risk and compliance audits, I have proven instrumental in the development of a shadow crew roster. Working in collaboration with management, I designed a system that allowed for uncalculated changes such as an unwell flight crew during mission, enabling an immediate replacement to be available at very short notice. This was a critical measure as Cobham Aviation have strict service level agreements in place and zero loss in productivity.
Supporting my capabilities to effectively deploy staff to ensure business and financial objectives are met, I have managed teams at Cobham Aviation through performance and attendance frameworks to achieve business goals where required. Performing in this position, I am responsible for the rostering of schedules into workable operations whilst complying with Government Secrecy and Integrity Legislation. Working within operational and multiple stakeholder requirements, I ensured that all measurable targets were achieved. Adhering to corporate and legislative rulings in relation to personnel management, I was followed regulatory and award provisions to guarantee compliance, including but not limited to fatigue management, hours between shifts and extension of roles. Possessing the ability to manage rostering, I highlight my capability in providing excellent resource allocation during high-pressure timeframes whist managing multiple stakeholder groups.
Knowledge of rostering principles and their application to the running of maintenance services and/or management systems
Possessing a deep understanding of rostering principles, I have embraced their application into the management systems at Cobham Aviation. Additionally, I align my rostering with the core rostering principles that all master rosters should be developed and implemented with the following
- A fair and equitable distribution of the rostered work between employees of like classification
- Patterns of working which assist quality of life considerations
- Reasonable periods of notice of change to rostered working
- Operational and business requirements
- The health and safety of employees
- Fatigue management obligations
- Duty of care obligations
- Local level consultation
In my position at Cobham Aviation, working with operations over 24 hours, 7 days a week, I roster workers to meet operational requirements using shift work and extended hours arrangements. However, I acknowledge that shift work and extended work arrangements can increase the risk of fatigue, which increases the likelihood of human error, incidents and injuries. Influential in the implementation of effective rostering practices that are in accordance with Enterprise Bargaining Agreement guidelines, I draw on my implementation experience of company rostering systems to achieve compliance. Through my internal development of a new rostering system that regulated pilots to work six days on and three days off, I managed to achieve a system which allowed pilots to better manage their non-work commitments, and thereby reduced non-work related fatigue. Committed to continuous safety of all stakeholders, I regularly review and evaluate planned and actual rosters against the rostering principles for their potential to lead to work related fatigue.
Demonstrated experience in working in a complex multi-task environment to deadlines and under pressure
Possessing strong organisational skills within my position as Operations Controller, I deliver on conflicting deadlines according to service level agreements. Meeting these deadlines, I ensured the success of Cobham Aviation in meeting their critical targets, which offer no room for movement. Often working in geographically dispersed regions, I have achieved excellent outcomes, resulting in recognition for my ability to work under pressure. Displaying confident and competent analytical thinking skills, I have a proven ability to work within complex frameworks. Within my career to date, I have shown capability to not only analyse but also prioritise elevated levels of information and convert objectives into actions. Possessing the aptitude to prioritise problems and gather the pertinent information to analyse, I can rapidly identify symptoms and underlying causes so as to reach the best conclusions for all parties affected.
During my tenure with ISS Facility Services as Assignment Manager, I was not only responsible for my own performance measures but also those of the team. As demonstrated within this position, I exhibited the strong ability to deliver under pressure, ensuring targets were reached. Leading by example, I adhered strictly to all procedures and protocols to achieve quality service and performance targets within a complex multi-task environment. Additionally, I was successful in delivering compliant staff shift schedules, utilising my ability to identify business objectives and tailor a team on every shift with complementary skill sets. This cemented my proven ability to work well under pressure and draw on appropriate skills to deliver on deadlines.
Sound working knowledge of: HR, IR, WHS legislation; Enterprise Agreements/Awards; and relevant policies and procedures that impact on rostering practices
Possessing excellent knowledge of safety regulations and best practice initiatives, I am responsible for conducting rostering investigations and the analytical reporting of occurrences at Cobham Aviation. With a sound knowledge of the relevant policies and procedures influencing rostering practices, I am confident in my capabilities to adhere to the following
Train Crew Shift Length, Rostering and Working Arrangements Agreement 2014
The Fleet Maintenance Staff Variable Shift Length Rostering Agreement 2014
National Employment Standards as incorporated in the Fair Work Act 2009
Drivers Rostering and Working Arrangements 2014
Guards Rostering and Working Arrangements 2014
Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement 2014
Within the position at Sydney Trains, I acknowledge a condition that Drivers who are absent from duty due to sickness, sickness in family or other out of course absences must advise the rostering officers of their ability to return to duty for their next shift as indicated. In line with Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement 2014, all rostering to be based on fatigue management principles. Proven in my current position at Cobham Aviation, I have not only driven this critical safety guideline but also developed structured rosters that align to this principle. At Sydney Trains I will address shift length and roster periods between shifts as a necessary factor to be considered in roster compilation. Additionally, I have sound understanding that employees have the need to balance the competing requirements of their jobs with social and domestic responsibilities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to analyse and interpret complex data/information, and sound interpersonal skills including the ability to influence and negotiate
Adept at reading my audience, I am able to alter my communication style and messages accordingly, listening to the words and interpreting the body language of others to gauge their level of understanding and acceptance of my points. Recently in my operational position at Cobham Aviation, I identified the disconnect between the planning team and operations. The two teams needed to work in collaboration to drive business outcomes, yet there was no communication or cohesion. Through my ability to analyse key data and interpret where systems are failing, I achieved success in communicating this to the wider team and managers.
Striving for excellence, I was influential in the establishment of morning meetings between these two teams to communicate incidents from the previous night, air current concerns and flag known future disruptions. Achieving success in these improvement negotiations, I was able to address internal issues and negotiate the handover meetings, open communication and knowledge sharing.
As a result of my ability to communicate clearly and influentially with others, I appeased the concerns of the planners, who were feeling excluded from the operational side of objectives, whilst at the same time upheld the integrity and professionalism of each of the departments. Demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills, I have a record of accomplishment for maintaining excellent operational communication, including written reports and operational tasks, along with the promotion of an atmosphere of open communication and inclusivity.
Highly skilled in the use of personal computers and related software packages such as Microsoft Excel to an advanced level, and rostering systems
Demonstrating a high level of attention to detail, I offer strong technical and computer skills with the ability to acquire new skills and knowledge quickly and easily. Validated in my current position of Operational Controller, I have exhibited my intermediate to advanced proficiency using various software and systems, including the Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
With a proven ability to learn and adapt to new software and technology, I have delivered on business outcomes associated with these skills. Duties and responsibilities I have undertaken that demonstrate my computer skills include the following
Maintained crew rosters to fulfil all contract and Regular Passenger Transport services
Wrote and implemented procedures to ensure smooth operation in regional areas
Managed daily schedule into workable operation
Possessing considerable experience with a range of systems, I am confident in my computer literacy and my ability to utilise relevant applications to ensure the efficiency of my roles. My extensive working knowledge of various rostering software systems has been demonstrated in my current role within Cobham Aviation. In order to effectively undertake my responsibilities, and in acknowledgement of my software capabilities, I was provided with the opportunity to work on the testing program for a new system. Through being so involved in the testing and quality testing of the database Phoenix, I developed an exceptional understanding of the systems in a background setting, which has given me an advantage in the understanding of rostering systems more generally as well as specifically.
A pro-active approach with the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives
Demonstrating myself to be an active team member and leader, I have been instrumental in contributing to exceptional teams. Improved workplace communication and team relationships have been achieved by removing obstacles to trust, cultivating relationships, and generating and enhancing productivity.
Whilst working at Air North Airlines in a Duty Manager and Aircraft Operations position, I created and drove numerous strategies that significantly improved the service provided to customers. These improvements were initiated through understanding customer needs, creating a customer-centric culture, inspiring, and enabling my teams to deliver the business vision. These initiatives encompassed service delivery of frontline staff in operational environments and embraced technology to improve efficiency. During my tenure with Air North, I successfully implemented a new scheduling and tracking system for all aircraft and was able to achieve substantial reduction failures. The outcome was to place Air North in a profitable brand awareness position that increased the bottom line and, in doing so, I achieved recognition from peers and management.
As displayed throughout my career, I practice sound judgement and informed decision-making with an awareness of implications. Contributing to solutions and future growth, I harness information and opportunities when performing my day-to-day duties, working diligently to improve existing practices and thus efficiency. Committed to team performance, I am prepared to work overtime or complete additional tasks to help team members or management. To facilitate this business objective, established as a collaborative team member, I have formed constructive relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring processes are followed and the company culture is upheld.
