Engineering Access Planner in Doncaster

The Engineering Access Planner plays a crucial role in supporting various departments within GB Railfreight by providing vital information and contributing to the decision‑making process. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth coordination of railway engineering activities and enabling the business to adapt to potential disruptions. The position will focus on maintaining effective communication, tracking, and recording key engineering access information, and working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, including Network Rail, to drive continuous improvement across the organisation. This role is based in our Doncaster office. Previous experience in a similar role or a solid understanding of engineering access planning and disruption management within the rail industry is essential.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist in producing and maintaining disruption advice to stakeholders.
• Process the recording and tracking of Network Rail Late Notice possessions and communicate this to relevant stakeholders within GBRf.
• Process DPPP responses and attend DPPP meetings to communicate the views of GBRf and develop strong relationships with Network Rail and other operators.
• Support the Engineering Access Manager in any projects to bring improvements to the business.
• Support the New Business and Business Implementation teams with engineering access information to allow the business to make informed decisions about new business.
• Assist with timetable studies, including responding to and keeping track of TT studies affecting GBRf.
• Support the Informed Traveller team, who are responsible for adapting train plans around major railway engineering works.

Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience or a solid understanding of engineering access planning and disruption management, ideally within the rail industry.
• Effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally; proficiency at relaying complex information clearly and succinctly.
• Strong organisational abilities, with the capability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously, prioritise tasks and handle changing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive approach to problem‑solving, with the ability to think critically and make decisions that balance operational needs with business objectives.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams, building relationships with colleagues and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management and tracking systems; experience with railway‑specific planning tools and software is advantageous.
• Understanding of railway operations, engineering access planning, and the impact of possession and disruption management on rail services.

Personal Profile:

• Passionate about work, proactive problem‑solver and constantly looks for ways to innovate and improve processes.
• Forward‑thinking mindset; anticipates challenges before they arise and formulates effective strategies.
• Excellent communication skills; able to convey complex information to a wide range of stakeholders and adapt communication style to the audience.
• Collaborative; works effectively with cross‑functional teams and builds strong relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills and keen eye for detail; manages competing priorities and ensures all information is accurately recorded and communicated.
• Calm under pressure; able to think critically to find the best solutions during disruption or last‑minute changes.
• Balances operational needs with business objectives, ensuring decisions are commercially viable and aligned with strategic goals.
• Focuses on customer satisfaction; minimises and communicates disruptions effectively while maintaining service quality and reliability.
• Comfortable managing and analysing data to inform decision‑making using Microsoft Office and railway‑specific planning tools.

Essential Qualifications:

• 3 GCSEs, grades A to C, or equivalent.
• Competent IT skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate at different levels within the organisation.
• Good problem‑solving skills.

Key Benefits of Working With Us:

• Competitive salary and annual leave package of 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Industry‑wide defined contribution pension scheme.
• Generous healthcare package.
• Online benefits portal offering hundreds of discounts at nationwide retailers.
• Electric vehicle scheme (available after the first 12 months).
• Regular social events, including days out for you and your family.
• Training and development opportunities, including internal courses and external certifications.

Inclusion Without Exclusion:

GB Railfreight values diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and recruits based on the best fit for the role, irrespective of background. We champion inclusion and encourage employees to contribute to ongoing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.