At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of rail by developing integration plans for Great British Railways.
- Company: Join DFTO, a key player in transforming public rail ownership.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible working culture with opportunities for career growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rail reform while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in project planning and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 44744 - 49717 £ per year.
About DFTO
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 11,000 services a day and delivers over 930 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeast, Southern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia, WM Trains, GTR, and Chiltern. We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
Primary Purpose of Job: Develop, maintain and coordinate the functional integration plans that support the transition to Great British Railways (GBR). Working across DFTO, Network Rail, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and wider rail reform stakeholders, the role will undertake planning activity so that integration activities are effectively planned, sequenced and aligned to broader reform objectives. The postholder will act as the central coordination point for functional integration planning, translating complex programme requirements into structured, deliverable plans and communicating and logging dependencies, risks and milestones so they are clearly understood and managed.
Through close collaboration with programme management offices, delivery teams and functional stakeholders, the Integration Planner will support the successful implementation of rail reform whilst maintaining focus on business continuity and operational delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Integration Planning: Develop, maintain and own the functional integration plan that supports the transition to Great British Railways for DFTO. Define and manage the pathway for functional integration, so that activities are logically sequenced and aligned with programme objectives. Establish clear milestones, dependencies, critical paths and delivery schedules to support successful implementation. Monitor progress against plans and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Work closely with functional leads, integration teams and project delivery professionals to create plans that are realistic, achievable and fully supported. Collaborate across multiple organisations and stakeholder groups involved in rail reform. Communicate planning assumptions, risks and interdependencies so they are understood and managed effectively.
- Cross-Industry Alignment: Build and input into integration plans that appropriately reflect the needs, priorities and constraints of DFTO, Network Rail, RDG and wider rail reform stakeholders. Identify areas of alignment, overlap or conflict and support the development of coordinated solutions. Promote a consistent planning approach across organisations involved in the delivery of rail reform.
- Programme and Project Integration: Work closely with DFTO programme management teams, the DFTO PMO, the GBR Design and Implementation Programme PMO and the Rail Reform Portfolio Office so that integration plans are aligned with broader programme and portfolio plans. Support the management of interfaces, dependencies and delivery risks across multiple programmes and workstreams. Contribute to programme governance and reporting activities as required.
- Documentation and Knowledge Management: Develop, maintain and organise libraries of planning, governance and integration documentation. Accurately capture key programme information, assumptions, decisions and lessons learned and create correct access so the appropriate information is available to relevant stakeholders. Maintain version control and document management standards across integration planning activities. Support the preparation of presentations, reports and planning materials for governance forums and senior leadership teams.
- Risk, Dependency and Assurance Management: Identify and track risks, issues and dependencies that could impact functional integration delivery. Support the development of mitigation plans and contingency arrangements. Provide planning insight and analysis to support assurance and decision-making processes. Escalate significant risks or planning concerns through appropriate governance channels.
- Analysis and Continuous Improvement: Apply project planning, project management and analytical techniques to improve planning quality and delivery outcomes. Evaluate planning processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Support the development of planning standards, templates and tools that enhance consistency and effectiveness across programmes. Contribute to lessons learned activities and the continuous improvement of integration planning capability.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
Essential criteria:
- Experience in programme planning, project controls, PMO, project coordination or programme delivery environments.
- Strong planning and scheduling skills, including the management of dependencies, milestones and critical paths.
- Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Ability to analyse large volumes of information and translate them into coherent and actionable plans.
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience maintaining project documentation and governance records.
- Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
- Proficiency in planning and project management tools and techniques.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience within the rail, transport or public sector sectors.
- Understanding of rail reform and the transition to Great British Railways.
- Experience working within programme management office (PMO) functions.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies such as PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent.
- Experience supporting large-scale organisational change or transformation programmes.
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: Fixed Term up to 31st March 2028 contract/secondment
- Location: We currently have offices in London Waterloo, Leeds, Birmingham
- Salary Banding: £44,744 to £49,717
- Closing date: 16th November 2026
DFTO Locations: DFTO currently have office locations in London, Birmingham and Leeds and individuals can be based from any of the three locations. Whilst we do offer hybrid working there are sometimes demands to travel to the other office locations.
DFTO Benefits:
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk
Integration Planner employer: DfT Operator Limited
DfT Operator Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the North of England where legal professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for training and collaboration with experienced legal teams across various locations. The inclusive work culture fosters innovation and ensures that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of public transport law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Integration Planner
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
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✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at DfT Operator Limited! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Integration Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator Limited
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.
