Access Planner - Rail

Upfront Recruitment; Willenhall; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure contractor is seeking a Senior Access Planner to coordinate track access for major rail projects. This role offers competitive salary, hybrid working options, and extensive training opportunities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in access planning, strong stakeholder communication skills, and PTS certification. Join a forward-thinking business with strong growth ambitions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car or allowance

Pension scheme

Health cash plan

Two paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in access planning for rail projects.
• SSOWP qualification and experience with RailHub, PPS, and NROL.
• PTS certification and a strong working knowledge of railway operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate track access across all project phases.
• Plan and manage Engineering Haulage and On‑Track Machines (OTMs) via NROL.
• Produce accurate SSOWP documentation using OnTrac.

Skills

Access planning experience

Stakeholder communication

Organizational skills

Tools

RailHub

PPS

NROL

Job description

Senior Access Planner – Rail

Location - Birmingham (with occasional travel to project sites)

Salary - Competitive salary + Car / Allowance + Benefits

A leading infrastructure contractor is seeking a Senior Access Planner to join them. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in the delivery of major rail projects - while developing your expertise across multiple disciplines as part of a forward‑thinking business with strong growth ambitions.

The Role

You’ll be at the centre of rail operations - coordinating and securing track access, managing possession planning, and ensuring all works are delivered safely and in line with industry standards. You’ll liaise closely with stakeholders across Network Rail and Transport for London infrastructure, driving access strategies that minimise disruption and maximise delivery potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate track access across all project phases.
• Plan and manage Engineering Haulage and On‑Track Machines (OTMs) via NROL.
• Prepare AC / DC isolations in line with SAI25 and route‑specific standards.
• Produce accurate SSOWP documentation using OnTrac and maintain compliance with NR / L2 / OHS / 019.
• Build collaborative relationships with clients, contractors, and operations teams.
• Contribute to tender access strategies and integration meetings.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in access planning for rail projects.
• SSOWP qualification and experience with RailHub, PPS, and NROL.
• PTS certification and a strong working knowledge of railway operations.
• Solid understanding of Network Rail standards and DWWP processes.
• Experience in AC / DC isolations and planning within TfL environments.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills with a collaborative mindset.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary + car or allowance + pension scheme.
• Hybrid working options and flexible arrangements.
• Award‑winning training and development pathways.
• Health cash plan and wellbeing support.
• Two paid volunteering days per year to support causes that matter to you.

If this sounds like a role for you, Apply Now. Contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment for more details