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- Tasks: Support the Planning Team in managing railway access and coordinating essential operations.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's railway system.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, travel discounts, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of journeys while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace where your authentic self is valued.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 28800 £ per year.
Location: Ashford, GB
About Network Rail
Join the Southern Region – where your work truly matters. Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key—and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast‑paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Contract: Full‑Time – Permanent
Grade: Band 5 – £28,500 – £34,500
What You’ll Do
- Support the Planning Team in delivering all activities related to possessions, worksites, line blockages, TSRs, On‑Track Machines, and engineering trains in line with standards.
- Process and integrate route access requirements into the engineering access plan.
- Attend and, when required, co‑chair possession planning meetings, producing and validating publications and updates.
- Assist with creating documentation and materials to support operational delivery of the access plan.
- Engage with stakeholders and customers to coordinate access requirements across the route.
- Identify and support implementation of quality and efficiency improvements.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills with a customer‑focused approach.
- Willingness to learn and document all aspects of access planning.
- Good IT skills and ability to operate planning systems.
Desirable
- Knowledge of railway geography and network capability.
- Understanding of train services and network capacity.
- Familiarity with planning systems.
Perks & Benefits
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Closing Date 12th March 2026 – late applications will not be accepted.
Application Process Click ‘apply now’ to apply. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.
Legal & Safety Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application. 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. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on the Sentinel database and a 5‑year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a key safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced. Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we will try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities to apply and interview. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or modifications, please add a note to your application.
Planning Assistant (Access) - Ashford employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant (Access) - Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and its Southern Region. Understanding their values and current projects will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that Planning Assistant position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to planning and access management. Think about how your skills align with the job description and be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated those skills in past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Network Rail family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Assistant (Access) - Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for planning and the railway industry. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail. We want to know why you’re excited about this role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your communication skills and customer-focused approach, as these are key for the Planning Assistant role. We love seeing how your unique experiences align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Planning Assistant, especially around possessions and access planning. Brush up on railway geography and network capability, as this knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed deadlines or coordinated with stakeholders in previous roles to demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders and customers to coordinate access requirements, showcasing your customer-focused approach.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or future challenges in the Southern Region. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.