Section Planner

Network Rail; Stockport; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Choice of pension schemes

Discounted rail travel for you and a1

Rail season ticket subsidy

Volunteer or carers leave

Benefits platform with discounts

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a focused planner to coordinate and optimise work across the North West region. You will prepare Safe Systems of Work, submit access/possession requests and support short- and medium-term operational objectives.

You will maintain accurate records, contribute to performance monitoring and drive continuous improvement within the section. This is a full-time permanent role based in Manchester Stockport, offering a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and coordinating heavy-duty maintenance or railway work is desirable.
• Ability to produce Safe Systems of Work and manage access/possession requests.
• Strong communication and organisational skills to support planning meetings and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and optimise all agreed work activities to ensure safe and compliant delivery.
• Produce Safe Systems of Work and access/possession requests.
• Maintain high quality records in systems and documentation for decision making.

Skills

Work plan production

Resource optimisation

Core Planning Skills Level 2

Access and possession processes

Safe System of Work Planning

Interpersonal communication

Organisational skills

Maintenance delivery processes

Job description

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.

Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria

This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.

If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

About the role

This role is responsible for planning, coordinating and optimising all agreed work activities within the section to ensure safe, efficient and compliant delivery. You will produce Safe Systems of Work, submit green zone access and isolation requests, and develop draft quarterly plans to support short¿ and medium¿term operational objectives. A key part of the role involves managing weekly Plan¿Do¿Review meetings and representing Section Managers at planning meetings, ensuring clear communication and effective stakeholder engagement.

You will also be accountable for maintaining high¿quality records by accurately updating systems, databases and infrastructure maintenance documentation. Through careful collation and management of planning and maintenance records, you will support informed decision¿making, performance monitoring and continuous improvement across the section.

This is a Full-Time Permanent Opportunity

Salary - £26,500

Grade -Band 5 (Role Clarity Contract)

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.

For help with the recruitment process, please contact North West & Central Resourcing

• 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, communicationand organisational skills
• Knowledge of maintenance delivery processes and techniques

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Manchester Stockholm Road, Stockport

Geographical Area:

North West England

Closing Date:

02-NOV-2026

Job Category:

Administration & Secretarial

Function:

North West & Central Region

Organisation:

BH WDM(Track) Manchester Direct (854091) G1