Section Planner - Orpington

At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

Location: Orpington, GB

About Network Rail: We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

Our colleagues are encouraged to work flexibly as we know that busy lives don't always fit around a traditional working pattern. If you need flexibility to complete your role just let us know and we will do our utmost to help you to invest in your career with us while balancing other aspects of your life. We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone.

Brief Description: Working as a Section Planner for Network Rail offers a rewarding experience in a friendly, supportive environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the rail network and passenger journeys. At Network Rail, we prioritise both professional development and personal well-being. The company's strong Family Friendly Policy, combined with employee networks like “Family Focus” and “Care,” actively fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace that celebrates diversity, equity, and belonging. Additionally, Network Rail is committed to supporting mental well-being, ensuring that all employees feel valued and connected.

Network Rail's commitment to flexibility is a key part of our culture. We offer flexible working options to help our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance, making it easier to manage both professional responsibilities and family time. This includes a generous Maternity Benefits policy and flexible working arrangements, which are particularly beneficial for parents. You'll also have access to the Leisure Travel Scheme, allowing you to enjoy more of your time off. With a Volunteer Leave policy that grants five days of paid volunteer leave each year, Network Rail employees are encouraged to contribute to their local communities and give back to causes that matter to them.

In this role, you'll find plenty of variety. Each day is busy and fulfilling, and there's real satisfaction in knowing your work helps minimise train delays and improve passenger journeys. Network Rail also values growth and career progression, offering numerous training programs and development opportunities to help you gain new skills and advance within the organisation. Joining Network Rail means becoming part of a team dedicated to positive change across the rail infrastructure, supporting not just the nation's railways but also each other.

About The Role: 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.

Salary: £32,000 + Location allowance

Closing date: 25th 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. We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone! 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.