At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex project planning for the UK's major rail upgrade programme.
- Company: Join a key player in transforming UK rail infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate with potential for extension and professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior planners in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of UK rail transport.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in rail planning and stakeholder communication.
Are you an experienced Project Planner with a strong background in major UK rail infrastructure programmes?
This is an opportunity to join the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), one of the largest railway upgrade programmes in the UK, improving the 76-mile route between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.
As Principal Project Planner, you'll take a lead role in planning and scheduling complex rail delivery, integrating multiple schedules and providing clear reporting to project and non-planning stakeholders.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and integrate complex project and programme schedules across multiple workstreams.
- Develop delivery strategies, output schedules and project plans through the Network Rail PACE lifecycle.
- Support planning from early-stage development through construction and delivery.
- Review construction staging, constructability and delivery strategies.
- Provide schedule assurance and simplify complex programme information for reporting.
- Work closely with project teams, train/freight operators and wider stakeholders.
- Lead and develop planning teams, supporting the development of less experienced planners.
- Apply industry-standard planning and scheduling software, including schedule data automation.
- What You'll Bring
- Strong rail planning and scheduling experience on major construction or engineering projects.
- Experience working with train and freight operator projects.
- Understanding of railway design, delivery and access principles, including Railway Access Box Plans.
- Experience across Network Rail PACE ES1-ES8.
- Proven experience integrating multiple schedules and managing project resources.
- Strong stakeholder communication skills, with the ability to explain planning outputs clearly to non-planners.
- Experience with proprietary planning and scheduling tools and schedule assurance processes.
- Membership of a relevant professional body, or an established CPD pathway towards membership.
- Knowledge of the UK rail industry and Network Rail processes.
Desirable
- Experience with Signalling, ETCS or Train Fitment projects, and knowledge of the TRU programme.
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Principal Project Planner in City of Westminster employer: Randstad Cpe London
Randstad CPE London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the public-sector procurement space. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working in the vibrant city of Milton Keynes, known for its supportive community and modern amenities. Join us to make a meaningful impact through strategic sourcing and enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career in a regulated environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Planner in City of Westminster
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Randstad Cpe London.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Randstad Cpe London appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Planner in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Randstad Cpe London know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Randstad Cpe London is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Cpe London
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
