Section Planner

Network Rail; Preston; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Choice of pension schemes

Discounted leisure train travel foryou

75% subsidy on Rail and Underground)**

5 days paid volunteer or carers leave

My Benefits platform - discounts on a

Job summary

Network Rail in Preston is seeking an Administration & Secretarial professional to plan and optimise section work activities, ensuring efficient schedules and delivery. You will produce Safe Systems of Work, handle access and isolation requests, and draft quarterly plans while supporting weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings.

You will manage comprehensive administrative functions, maintain databases and records, rosters and timesheets, and assist with the Assessment in the Line process,

Qualifications

• Proven ability to plan and coordinate work activities across teams.
• Experience with Safe Systems of Work planning and documentation.
• Knowledge of access and possession processes and systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• Experience providing clerical support and maintaining office records.
• Familiarity with relevant IT systems used in railway projects.
• Ability to work on own initiative and manage priorities.
• Understanding of the operational railway environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and optimise all agreed work activities within the section.
• Produce Safe Systems of Work and manage access/possession requests.
• Develop draft quarterly plans and coordinate weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings.
• Represent Section Managers at planning and coordination meetings.

Skills

Work Plan production

Core Planning Skills Level 2

Access and possession processes

Safe System of Work planning

Interpersonal & organisational skills

Clerical support & office management

IT systems knowledge

Initiative & autonomy

Operational railway environment

Job description

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.

Safe behaviouris a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .

The role is responsible for planning and optimising all agreed work activities within the section, ensuring schedules are efficient and deliverable. This includes producing Safe Systems of Work, submitting green zone access and isolation requests, developing draft quarterly plans, and managing weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings. The post holder will also represent Section Managers at planning and coordination meetings, supporting effective communication and delivery across teams.

In addition, the role provides comprehensive administrative and record-keeping support. Key responsibilities include maintaining accurate systems, databases, infrastructure maintenance records, rosters and timesheets, as well as supporting the Assessment in the Line process. The post holder will set up and maintain efficient filing systems, with particular attention to confidentiality and safety-critical documentation, and carry out general office administration duties to support the Section Manager effectively.

Location - reporting in the West Coast Route

Here are a few of the benefits we offer:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Choice of pension schemes
• Discounted leisure train travel for you and your family
• 75% subsidy on Rail and Underground season tickets
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• My Benefits platform - giving national and local discounts on retailers, gym membership and more

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know-we'll do our best to assist you.

What does our recruitment process look like?

1. Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV.

2. If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be invited to an interview.

For further information about the role, please contact Lloyd Dennison

• Work Plan production and resource optimisation skills
• Core Planning Skills Level 2
• Knowledge of access and possession processes and systems
• Safe System of Work Planning Process and System
• Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
• Experience of clerical support and office management
• Knowledge of relevant IT systems
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Knowledge of operational railway environment

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Preston Croft Street, Preston

Closing Date:

21-OCT-2026

Job Category:

Administration & Secretarial

Function:

North West & Central Region

Organisation:

BK SM(S) Preston WCML Direct (855511) G1