At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead rail project planning, manage programmes, and ensure successful project execution.
- Company: Join a leading rail industry firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong career development and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail sector while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail planning and proficiency in Primavera P6 required.
Location: Old Oak Common, North West London (4 days onsite, 1 day remote)
Duration: Perm or Contract (Long term)
IR35: Inside
Notes: Must have P6 & Rail experience, must be eligible for BPSS
The Rail Planner is responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining detailed rail project programmes across all phases of delivery. The role ensures that planning processes support safe, efficient, and commercially successful project execution while providing accurate reporting, programme analysis, and strategic planning advice to project teams and senior stakeholders.
Working closely with project managers, engineers, commercial teams, and clients, the Rail Planner will lead planning activities, identify programme risks and opportunities, and drive continuous improvement in project controls.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, manage, and maintain integrated project programmes using Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
- Produce baseline programmes, target programmes, and regular programme updates.
- Monitor project progress against agreed milestones and contractual requirements.
- Analyse programme performance using critical path analysis, earned value techniques, and schedule health checks.
- Identify programme risks, delays, and opportunities, proposing mitigation and recovery strategies.
- Prepare weekly and monthly planning reports, dashboards, and management information.
- Support project teams during tender, pre-construction, delivery, and close-out phases.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure planning reflects current project status.
- Lead planning workshops and programme review meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Review subcontractor programmes and assess compliance with project requirements.
- Ensure planning outputs comply with client standards, contractual obligations, and industry best practice.
- Support change management by assessing the programme impact of variations and compensation events.
- Provide planning expertise during client meetings and project reviews.
- Mentor and develop junior planners and planning engineers.
- Promote continuous improvement in planning processes, reporting, and project controls.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Planning experience within the UK rail industry.
- Strong knowledge of rail infrastructure projects, including renewals, enhancements, or maintenance programmes.
- Advanced user of Primavera P6.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office.
- Experience producing critical path analyses and programme recovery plans.
- Excellent understanding of NEC contracts and programme requirements.
- Experience supporting project controls, cost reporting, and change management.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, scopes of work, and project documentation.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) or equivalent.
- Primavera P6 Professional certification.
- Membership of a relevant professional institution (APM, ICE, CILT, or similar).
- Understanding of Network Rail governance, GRIP/PACE, and possession planning processes.
- Knowledge of rail assurance, project controls, and risk management methodologies.
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially aware with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Able to influence and challenge constructively.
- Collaborative and supportive team player.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and performance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Delivery of accurate and timely project programmes.
- Achievement of contractual milestones.
- Programme accuracy and reporting quality.
- Effective management of critical path and programme risks.
- Client satisfaction with planning support.
- Contribution to successful project delivery and commercial performance.
- Development and mentoring of junior planning staff.
Health, Safety and Compliance
The Senior Rail Planner is expected to:
- Promote a positive safety culture at all times.
- Comply with all company policies, rail industry standards, and client requirements.
- Support compliance with Network Rail and relevant railway assurance processes.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across planning and project controls.
Rail Planner in Slough employer: First Recruitment Group
First Recruitment Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the clean water sector. Located in Peterborough, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Join us to make a meaningful impact on vital infrastructure projects while advancing your career in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Planner in Slough
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We think you need these skills to ace Rail Planner in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at First Recruitment Group, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
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How to prepare for a job interview at First Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
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In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to First Recruitment Group.
