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- Tasks: Support the Planning Team in optimising railway access strategies and coordinating stakeholder needs.
- Company: Network Rail maintains the UK's railway infrastructure, ensuring efficient transport for people and goods.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive culture, and competitive pay of £28,000 pro rata.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: Part-time roles of 17.5 hours per week based in Milton Keynes.
The predicted salary is between 16800 - 19200 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department Name: Network Operations
About Network Rail: Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
We champion diversity and inclusion, creating safe, innovative workplaces. We also support flexible and hybrid working.
Brief Description: We are seeking 2 proactive and collaborative individuals to support the optimisation and integration of access within the Route Engineering Access Plan. This role plays a key part in shaping efficient and effective access strategies by working cross-functionally with a wide range of stakeholders, including work requesters, customers, and internal teams.
This advert is for 2x part time positions of 17.5 hours per week. Based out of The Quadrant, Milton Keynes.
About The Role: We’re looking for 2 proactive and detail-oriented individuals to support our Planning Team in delivering critical activities such as possessions, worksites, line blockages, TSRs, On Track Machines, and Engineering Trains. You’ll be instrumental in processing route access requirements and ensuring seamless integration into the engineering access plan. This role also involves attending and occasionally co-chairing possession planning meetings, where you’ll contribute to the production, validation, and updating of essential planning publications.
You’ll collaborate closely with stakeholders across the Route, helping to coordinate access needs and support the creation of operational materials that bring the engineering access plan to life. With a focus on continuous improvement, you’ll assist in identifying and implementing quality and efficiency enhancements.
If you’re a team player with a passion for precision and a knack for communication, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:
- Able to work under pressure.
- Able to prioritise and organise workload to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Able to demonstrate the ability to organise effectively.
- Displays a good attention to detail.
- Displays good communication skills and a customer focussed approach within a team or as an individual.
- Willing to learn to document all aspects of Access Planning requirements.
- Good understanding of IT and operating of systems.
We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have/to be:
- Knowledge of relevant railway geography and network capability.
- Knowledge of relevant train services and network capacity.
- Knowledge of relevant planning systems.
Salary: Band 5. £28,000, pro rata.
Closing date: 30th June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
Planning Assistant (Access) 2x Part Time - 17.5 hr employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant (Access) 2x Part Time - 17.5 hr
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the railway infrastructure and operations. Understanding how Network Rail functions will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss examples of teamwork from your past experiences. Highlight situations where you successfully worked with diverse stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing for potential scenarios you might face in the role. Think about how you would prioritise tasks under pressure and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific access planning processes used by Network Rail. Familiarity with relevant planning systems or tools can set you apart and demonstrate your proactive approach to learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Assistant (Access) 2x Part Time - 17.5 hr
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Planning Assistant.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure, organise workloads, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Showcase Attention to Detail: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your attention to detail. This could include specific tasks where precision was crucial, especially in planning or operational contexts.
Express Willingness to Learn: Mention your eagerness to learn about access planning requirements and relevant railway systems. This shows your commitment to personal development and adaptability within the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Planning Assistant. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'possessions', 'worksites', and 'engineering access plan' to show your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Highlight any experience you have in co-chairing meetings or working in a team environment.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
This position requires a keen eye for detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed tasks that required precision and accuracy, especially under pressure.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values, especially regarding diversity and inclusion.
