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- Tasks: As a Section Planner, you'll create detailed work plans to ensure safe and efficient railway services.
- Company: Network Rail connects people and goods safely, prioritising diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, professional development support, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team where your ideas matter and contribute to a safer railway for everyone.
- Qualifications: Essential skills include work plan production, communication, and knowledge of planning systems.
- Other info: Salary starts at £32,380 plus location allowance; apply before 11th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
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About Network Rail
Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter.
We’re continuing to build a diverse organisation which is representative of the people we serve. We want to harness the skills and expertise of our people and attract the best talent, to enable a safe and accessible railway for everyone.
About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance. We’re also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
Brief Description
Join Us as a Section Planner
Are you passionate about planning and seeking a supportive team to nurture your career? We take pride in developing robust, safe, and efficient work plans that ensure a reliable journey for all our passengers.
Your Role:
As a Section Planner, you will utilise our corporate planning processes, systems, and databases to create detailed, well-resourced, and optimised work plans for approval by Section Managers. Your work will play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and reliability of our railway services.
Why Choose Us:
- Team Collaboration: You’ll join a collaborative team that values your input and encourages innovative solutions. We’re open to new ideas and better ways of working, and your contributions will be highly valued.
- Professional Growth: We support your professional development and accreditation, helping you achieve your career aspirations through personalised development plans.
Your Future with Us:
By joining our team, you’ll not only contribute to our success but also have the opportunity to advance in your career. We look forward to receiving your application and assisting you in reaching your career goals and continued development within our organisation.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities:
- Plan and optimise all agreed work activities for the section.
- Accurately update systems, databases and records as required.
- Produce Safe System of Work plans.
- Submit green zone access and isolation requests.
- Produce draft quarterly plans.
- Manage weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings.
- Represent Section Managers at planning meetings.
- Collate and maintain infrastructure maintenance records.
- Administration of rosters and timesheets.
- Support the administration of the Assessment in The Line process.
- Set up and maintain efficient filing systems for the Section(s) paying particular attention to confidentiality where necessary and also those documents deemed to be safety critical.
- Undertake general office administration duties for the Section Manager using a range of knowledge and skills to provide effective support.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications:
Essential
- Work Plan production and resource optimisation skills
- Scheduling profile in work planning/scheduling system
- Core Planning Skills Level 2
- Knowledge of access and possession processes and systems
- Safe System of Work Planning Process and System
- Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
- Experience of clerical support and office management
- Excellent time manager
- Knowledge of relevant IT systems
- Ability to work on own initiative
Desirable
- Knowledge of operational railway environment
How to apply (External)
Salary £32,380 + Location Allowance
Closing Date: 11th June 2025
Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.
Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard: All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test.
Contact Detail:
ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Planner,
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's corporate planning processes and systems. Understanding how they operate will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values collaboration, so be prepared to showcase your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team to solve problems or improve processes, as this will resonate well during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Safe System of Work planning process thoroughly. Being knowledgeable about safety protocols and demonstrating your understanding of their importance can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for competency-based interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on how your skills align with the key accountabilities of the Section Planner role.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Planner,
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Section Planner. Review the job description carefully and highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your work plan production and resource optimisation skills, as well as any relevant experience in scheduling systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your ability to contribute to a collaborative team. Mention how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role and express your enthusiasm for working at Network Rail.
Highlight Safety Commitment: Since safety is a core value for Network Rail, ensure you demonstrate your personal dedication to safety in your application. Provide examples of how you have prioritised safety in past roles or projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Section Planner. Familiarise yourself with work plan production, resource optimisation, and the Safe System of Work planning process. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Network Rail values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight any experiences where your input led to innovative solutions or improved processes, as this aligns with their emphasis on team collaboration.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Since the interview is competency-based, think of specific situations where you've demonstrated key skills such as time management, communication, and organisational abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Safety is paramount at Network Rail. Be ready to discuss your personal dedication to safety in the workplace. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your understanding of safety protocols and how you prioritise safety in your work.
