Operational Planner

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national railway organization in Milton Keynes seeks a Timetable Planner to analyze and craft train schedules. The role requires exceptional analytical skills and the ability to engage with stakeholders. This full-time position offers a starting salary of £26,500, with potential increases. The organization values flexibility and offers extensive training and benefits, including generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

75% subsidy on train tickets

Defined benefit pension scheme

Interest-free travel loan

Volunteer leave

Qualifications

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Quick learner with sophisticated train planning software.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Craft train timetables balancing various factors.
• Maximize capacity and performance of the rail network.
• Engage with customers for optimal schedules.

Skills

Good analytical skills

Ability to quickly learn train planning software

Flair for negotiation and persuasion

Effective communication skills

Ability to build relationships with stakeholders

Experience in delivering to timelines

Job description

Overview

Location: Milton Keynes, GB

Department Name: HR Employee Experience (348120) G5

About Network Rail

About Network Rail… Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we\'re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you\'re not just part of a team - you\'re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We\'re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we\'ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support. If you\'re ready to make a real difference, we\'d love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent, Full time Opportunity.

Location: This role is based in The Quadrant: MK. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 75 minutes.

Band & Salary: Band 5; Fixed starting salary £26,500 with an increase of £2,500 when level 2 competencies are completed & passed.

Brief Description

As a timetable planner you are tasked with crafting train timetables, carefully analysing and balancing a wide range of factors – ultimately, you make vital decisions that impact on millions of people and organisations.

You will be great at solving complex problems, working as part of a supportive team you will balance the needs of our customers to maximise capacity and performance of the rail network.

About The Role (External)

Our Recruitment Process

• Online Technical Assessment
• Online Video interview
• Face to Face Competency Based Interview
• Offer
• Planned start date W/C 12th January 2026.

Please note - All NR roles are subject to the UK Governments guidance on right to work, skilled worker criteria and visa sponsorship. Guidance on this can be found at Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list - GOV.UK. Roles outside of this (or below the minimum salary threshold) are not eligible for sponsorship. This guidance is subject to change at any time.

What does the average day look like?

In this role, you will be building train timetables. Put simply, whether it\'s getting commuters to work on time or making sure freight makes a clear journey to its depot, you help Britain to run more efficiently. Constantly assessing timetable data, you\'ll know exactly what services you can offer. There are several important factors to carefully consider and balance. There are rigorous rules and guidelines to ensure trains are scheduled safely and efficiently that you need to know and follow. You\'ll need to take account of our critical maintenance and improvement work. Along the way, you\'ll help us develop innovative solutions to the challenges of complex capacity analysis and optimisation. You\'ll also contribute to improved ways of working. What\'s more, you\'ll speak directly to our customers, explaining and negotiating the best possible schedules for them.

In your first 14-18 weeks you will be part of an extensive training programme where our training team and technical experts will teach you all you need to know. You will be supported by our development specialists with on the job as well as classroom training to help you achieve the competencies to fulfil this exciting and crucial role. On completion of this training, we will award you with a professional accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators.

Please see video of how to Write a timetable – How to Write a Timetable - part two

Essential Criteria

• Good analytical skills
• The ability to quickly learn to use sophisticated train planning software
• A flair for negotiation and persuasion
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to engage with customers, and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders
• Experience in delivering to agreed timelines and standards

How To Apply (External)

Additional Information

Closing date: 29th September 2025. However, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 28th October 2025, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.

If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.

Some of our great benefits:

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered after Level 2 Competence is achieved.
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Plus more….