At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project planning and delivery for exciting rail infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a growing rail infrastructure business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, 25 days leave, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in project planning with real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering or construction; desire to learn planning.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
- Assistant Planner (P6)
- Rail Infrastructure ¦ Civil Engineering
Location
Warrington (North West & Central Region)
Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of CP7 and framework projects across the North West & Central region, we have an exciting opportunity for an
Assistant Planner (P6) to join our established and busy rail infrastructure business.
This role is ideal for an individual currently working in an operational, engineering, site management or project delivery capacity who is looking to develop a long-term career in project planning.
You will receive support from experienced planning professionals whilst gaining exposure to a diverse portfolio of rail civils, buildings and infrastructure projects.
The successful candidate will support the regional project teams in the planning and delivery of Network Rail, Merseyrail and local authority frameworks, helping to develop and maintain programmes that drive successful project performance.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, negotiable depending on experience
- Company Car or Car Allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Up to 3 volunteer days per year
- Company contributory pension scheme
- Life Insurance
- Medicash Health Cash Plan & Rewards
- Structured development into a Planner role
- Ongoing training and mentoring from experienced planning professionals
- Excellent career progression opportunities
- Safe and supportive working environment
- Employee forums that provide a platform for your voice to be heard
- Business Unit
Our North West & Central team operates within a fast-paced project environment delivering a growing portfolio of multidisciplinary rail infrastructure projects across the region.
- Current and Upcoming Project Portfolio
- CP7 Buildings & Civils Programme
- Station refurbishment and enhancement schemes
- Signal box refurbishment and demolition projects
- Earthworks design and construction packages
- Merseyrail Framework
- Access for All (AFA) schemes and associated building works
- Transport for Greater Manchester (Tf GM) framework opportunities and competitive tenders
- Bridges, structures and general rail civils infrastructure projects
Projects typically include station improvements, platform works, bridge and structural renewals, accessibility enhancements, earthworks, demolition projects and multidisciplinary rail civils construction works.
This varied portfolio provides excellent exposure to all aspects of project delivery and offers an ideal environment for developing planning expertise within the rail sector.
The Role
As an Assistant Planner, you will support the planning function in developing, maintaining and monitoring detailed project programmes using
Primavera P6
Working closely with Project Managers, Site Teams, Engineers and Commercial staff, you will help ensure project plans accurately reflect delivery requirements and provide meaningful information to support decision-making.
Key responsibilities include
- Assisting in the production of professional project programmes and planning documentation for bids and live projects.
- Supporting the development and maintenance of Primavera P6 programmes.
- Assisting in establishing and maintaining approved baseline programmes.
- Monitoring progress against programme and identifying variances.
- Supporting project teams in understanding programme requirements, key milestones, critical paths and project drivers.
- Assisting with programme updates, reporting and progress reviews.
- Supporting planning activities across multidisciplinary rail infrastructure projects.
- Developing an understanding of project controls, risk management and performance reporting.
- Ensuring planning processes align with company procedures and planning standards.
- Providing planning support to both project delivery and tender teams.
- Undertaking additional duties as directed by Senior and Principal Planners.
About You
To excel in this role, you will have experience in a site-based or project delivery environment and possess an appreciation of how construction activities, sequencing and operational constraints impact project delivery.
We are particularly interested in candidates looking to build a career in planning and develop a broader understanding of project management, engineering and commercial aspects of project delivery.
Essential Requirements
- Experience within civil engineering or construction projects.
- Experience within a rail environment or a strong desire to develop within the rail sector.
- Understanding of construction methodologies and project delivery processes.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and develop.
- Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- Experience using Primavera P6.
- Knowledge of Network Rail projects and standards.
- Understanding of NEC3 or NEC4 contracts.
- Previous experience in project controls, engineering, site management or project delivery.
- Degree, HNC or HND in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
- Join Us
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing rail infrastructure business at an exciting stage of CP7 delivery.
If you have operational or engineering experience and are looking to transition into project planning, we can provide the support, development and opportunities needed to build a successful planning career within the rail industry.
Assistant Planner employer: NETWORX
Join a prestigious Employment team in Hull, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment that values high-quality work and strong client relationships. As a Senior Associate, you will have the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload while benefiting from professional development and mentorship from experienced colleagues. Our commitment to employee growth and a positive work culture makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Planner
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like NETWORX, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Assistant Planner at NETWORX.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at NETWORX
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!