At a Glance
- Tasks: Create detailed work plans and optimise resources for a vital railway project.
- Company: Join Network Rail, where people and connections matter.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, travel discounts, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in work planning, scheduling systems, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 33380 - 33380 £ per year.
About Network Rail
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you’re not just part of a team – you’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
Brief Description
Salary: Starting at £33,380 + Location Allowance
Location: Ashford Old Railway Works
Hours: Full Time 35 Hours per Week
Planning with Purpose. Powered by People.
About the role
What You’ll Be Owning:
- Build detailed, resourced, and optimised work plans using corporate planning tools and databases.
- Keep systems, records, and schedules sharp using MS Office and Possession Planning System.
- Create Safe Systems of Work that meet the rule book and exceed expectations.
- Submit green zone access and isolation requests like a pro.
- Draft quarterly plans that make managers smile.
- Lead weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings with confidence.
- Represent Section Managers at planning meetings – your voice matters.
- Keep infrastructure maintenance records clean and compliant.
- Support the Assessment in The Line process.
- Set up slick, secure filing systems – especially for safety‑critical docs.
- Be the admin backbone for your Section Manager – multitasking mastery required.
What You’re Bringing:
- Must haves:
- Work plan production & resource optimisation skills
- Scheduling system experience
- Core Planning Skills Level 2 (preferred)
- Access & possession process know‑how
- Safe System of Work planning expertise
- Communication that connects
- Organisation that inspires
- Office management experience
- Time management that’s next‑level
- Team player energy + solo superstar skills
- IT system confidence
- Initiative that drives results
Bonus Points:
Knowledge of the operational railway environment
What can we offer you in return?
Salary: Starting at £33,380 + Location Allowance
Location: Ashford Old Railway Works
Hours: Full Time 35 Hours per Week
Closing date: 29th April 2026
Perks That Pack a Punch:
Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
Defined benefit pension scheme.
75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
Up to 75% off leisure travel.
Interest‑free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
Healthcare scheme, GymPass discounts, cycle to work plus more.
Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
We’re All About Inclusion
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you’re from – if you’ve got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
Please ensure that you have completed the questions attached to this vacancy; failure to do so will result in your application being withdrawn as these form part of the short‑listing process.
Let’s Make Planning Exciting Again
This isn’t just another desk job. It’s a chance to shape the future of infrastructure, one plan at a time. Apply now and bring your edge to a role that’s anything but ordinary.
Section Planner -RME (Ashford) employer: ENGINEERINGUK
Contact Detail:
ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Planner -RME (Ashford)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and understand their values, especially around diversity and inclusion. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they care about during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a Section Planner, you'll need to lead meetings and represent managers. Try role-playing with a friend or using online resources to sharpen your presentation style.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or schedules in the past. Being able to demonstrate your multitasking mastery will set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Network Rail team. Don’t forget to complete all the questions attached to the vacancy!
We think you need these skills to ace Section Planner -RME (Ashford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to explore our website and understand what we’re all about. Knowing our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in with our team.
Show Off Your Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your work plan production and resource optimisation skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed similar tasks – we love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for planning and how you can contribute to making our railway better – authenticity goes a long way with us.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure you complete all the questions attached to the vacancy. It’s super important for the short-listing process, and missing them could mean your application gets withdrawn. We want to see your full potential, so don’t skip this step!
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Know Your Planning Tools
Familiarise yourself with the corporate planning tools and databases mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've used similar tools in the past to create detailed work plans. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be leading Plan-Do-Review meetings and representing Section Managers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how your communication has positively impacted team projects or planning sessions in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Mastery
Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks and maintained sharp records in previous jobs. Discuss your strategies for keeping safety-critical documents organised and compliant, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Team Player Energy
Network Rail values collaboration, so be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to work well in a team. Talk about times when you’ve been the 'glue' that held a project together, showcasing your initiative and results-driven mindset.