Assistant Possession Planner

Randstad Cpe London; Newport; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Assistant Possession Planner for a short-term contract in South Wales. The role involves producing Safe System of Work Packs, ensuring safety compliance, and managing risks associated with railway operations. Ideal candidates will have relevant track competencies and experience in railway operations, along with strong communication and IT skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years railway operations experience.
• Technical competence demonstrated by SSOW planner license.
• Hold a full UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Production of project Safe System of Work Packs to time and budget.
• Plan safe systems of work for nominated projects.
• Attend site to identify risks and hazards.

Skills

Communication

IT Skills

Commercial Awareness

Education

Safe System of Work Planner License

COSS

IWA

PTS

Tools

Green Zone Planner

On-Trac/e-PIC Systems

MS Office

Job description

We are looking for an Assistant Possession Planner for a short-term (initially 2 months) contract based in South Wales.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY / TASKS

1. Responsibility for production of project Safe System of Work Packs to time and budget.
2. Ensure the safety culture is authentic, aiming for zero accidents / incidents.
3. Plan safe systems of work for nominated projects with appropriate safety and performance measures, within required timescales.
4. Maintain accurate and detailed records of SSOW plans.
5. Produce plans compliant with operational standards, rules, and procedures.
6. Attend site to identify risks / hazards, enabling production of robust SSOW plans.
7. Book track access as required through Network Rail's Green Zone Access process.
8. Ensure appropriate protection staff and equipment are booked / confirmed within timescales.
9. Ensure appropriate risk assessments are carried out before issuing SSOW plans.
10. Assist in resolving track access conflicts to deliver the work plan, while minimizing commercial risk.
11. Identify risks associated with work on or near the line and implement mitigation measures.
12. Deliver safe and efficient engineering access, maximizing access opportunities.
13. Develop effective working relationships with existing teams, delivery partners, and key stakeholders.
14. Support / assist the Head of Infrastructure Access as needed with business requirements.
15. Maintain and hold the appropriate license for the activities carried out.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Track competencies relevant to the role (Safe System of Work Planner, COSS, IWA, PTS).

Knowledge & Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years railway operations experience.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent IT skills, specifically MS Office.
• Experience performing duties of a COSS.
• Technical competence demonstrated by an appropriate SSOW planner license.
• Thorough knowledge of the rule book, group standards, and documentation related to possessions, SSOW planning, and electrical isolations.
• Knowledge of railway operating rules, train signaling regulations, and group standards.
• Excellent working knowledge of SSOW planning tools (including Green Zone Planner, Sectional Appendix, Weekly Operating Notice, Engineering Access Statement, hazard directory, and on-trac/e-pic systems).
• Understanding of key operational roles and their impact on engineering access (Signaller, SWL, E/S, COSS).
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify change.
• Hold a full UK driving license.

Specific Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities:

• Set and lead behaviors that support a robust H&S culture.
• Lead by example through actions and activities.
• Set H&S and environmental targets and objectives for direct staff, using HSE tools and processes on the BMS.
• Ensure staff are capable and competent to perform their tasks.
• Implement SMO UKI BMS policies related to manuals, plans, SSOW, and other activities to ensure compliance with PCL requirements.
• Communicate and encourage feedback on H&S and environmental issues.
• Conduct disciplinary actions for breaches of H&S following the just culture process.
• Investigate accidents or incidents to identify causes, providing feedback through SMO reporting systems.
• Ensure availability and proper use of H&S equipment.
• Undertake H&S tours or inspections and address deficiencies.
• If unsafe conditions cannot be rectified, stop work if risks are too high or report deficiencies to the Project Manager.
• Promote and adhere to business procedures for work control and management.
• Understand and manage H&S and environmental risks, implementing mitigation measures.
• Be prepared to manage emergency situations.
• Participate in resolving worksafe problems.
• Maintain competence in managing H&S and environmental responsibilities, and contribute to the competence of direct reports.