Project Planner

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

Job summary

A major rail infrastructure company in Crewe is looking for a Project Engineer to manage project scheduling and support delivery teams. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in scheduling engineering projects and knowledge of railway investment planning systems. This role requires effective planning and monitoring of project performance to ensure timely completion of tasks while maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in scheduling engineering projects successfully.
• Familiarity with railway investment planning systems.
• Proficiency in project management scheduling tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop project plans/schedules for cost-effective delivery.
• Support project delivery team with quality service.
• Prepare project work breakdown structure and plans.
• Monitor and progress plans; develop recovery schedules as needed.
• Report performance variance and recommend corrective actions.

Skills

Relevant experience in project scheduling

Knowledge of railway investment planning

Experience with project management tools

Job description

About the Role

This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO) , an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway. SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving - making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule. Watch our video Working in Supply Chain Operations Working with us is More than a Salary Construction Services (CS) plans and delivers Overhead Line and Track Renewal's Projects using the Overhead Line Engineering (OLE) Train, On-Track-Plant, and the Ballast Cleaning System (BCS).The team is committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects while embracing innovative, more efficient ways of working. The Directorate is structured into five teams reporting into the Construction Services Director: Engineering, Planning, OLE Delivery, Track Delivery, and Programme Change. Works are planned and delivered using an internal Network Rail workforce, with Construction Services acting as Principal Contractor, Principal Designer, and POS approval holder. During Control Period 7 (2024-29) Construction Services is remitted to plan and deliver Ballast Cleaning projects on North, West & Central and Network Rail High Speed Regions, and OLE renewals across North, West & Central Region. The team operates nationally from its Crewe and Bletchley Construction Depots, with support roles based at Birmingham and Milton Keynes. Construction Services (CS) - Engineering is composed of highly qualified engineers with years of experience in the rail sector, certified in multiple disciplines, and backed by strong problem-solving capabilities. We combine technical proficiency with an in-depth understanding of the rail industry's evolving needs, delivering projects that are both timely and cost-effective ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We specialise in managing the complete lifecycle of rail projects involving track, signalling and overhead line equipment (OLE). From planning to execution, our team ensures that our systems are designed, installed, and maintained to the highest industry standards. We oversee technical coordination, risk management, and compliance to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Key services include:

• Project Engineering Management for Track, Signalling & OLE (Overhead Line Equipment)
• Managing design integration and construction processes.
• Risk management, budget control, and regulatory compliance.
• Engineering & Construction Assurance
• On Track Plant Management & Assurance

Responsibilities

• Develop project or integration programme plans / schedules on behalf of programme and project managers in order to meet overall requirements of the client / business in the most cost-effective and reliable manner.
• Interact and become a key member of the project delivery team providing quality service to support the effective delivery of the project.
• Interact and support the effective information sharing / collection with all the project stakeholders in an appropriate manner.
• Prepare a project work breakdown structure and plan / schedule which is capable of delivering the project objectives and providing effective project performance measurement and reporting.
• Develop the appropriate quality plan / schedule in line with the project scheduling principles and processes.
• Monitor and progress the plan / schedule and make changes as required. Develop recovery schedules and contingency plans in order to meet changed objectives as necessary.
• Input the planning issues into the project's critical issues risk log. Review planning risks and monitor whether the risk register is updated accordingly.
• Report actual performance and variance against plan and forecast outcomes. Highlight key milestone and critical path issues to members of the team, provide an assessment of the impact of such issues and recommend solutions to correct the position.
• Monitor and audit contractor plans. Monitor contractor's planning processes so that they comply with Network Rail procedure requirements.
• Interrogate contractor's statement of progress for schedule adherence and payment purposes.
• Identify key resource requirements and monitor that these are properly booked and availability is maintained.
• If you would like any reasonable adjustments support during your application or throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist.

Adjustments

If you would like any reasonable adjustments support during your application or throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist.

• Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'
• Changing a physical feature of our workplace
• Providing extra equipment or assistance

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in the successful scheduling of engineering projects.
• Knowledge of railway investment planning systems.
• Experience of using a number of project management scheduling tools & techniques

Desirable Qualifications

• Membership of a relevant professional body
• Understanding of the engineering requirements of work on the railway
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt.

Diversity and Inclusion

We’re dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we’re committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Recruitment Process

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you! About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.