Section Planner, Administrator (Works Delivery) - 18 month Secondment/ Fixed Term Contract

Network Rail; Brighton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 28d

Bonus scheme

Pension options

Rail subsidy

Leisure rail discount

Benefits portal

Training opportunities

Assistance program

Reserve leave

Volunteering leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Brighton (Brighton CED) is seeking a Section Planner to build detailed, resourced, and optimised work plans and keep schedules sharp using MS Office and Possession Planning System.

You will lead planning meetings, maintain safety-critical records, and support the Assessment in The Line process, with 28 days leave and a competitive benefits package.

The role requires strong organisation, IT confidence, and the ability to work independently or in a team.

Qualifications

• Work plan production and resource optimisation skills.
• Scheduling system experience.
• Core Planning Skills Level 2 (preferred).
• Access and possession process knowledge.
• Safe System of Work planning expertise.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent organisational ability.
• Office management experience.
• Advanced time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Confidence using IT systems.
• Initiative and drive to achieve results.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed, resourced, and optimised work plans using corporate planning tools and databases.
• Keep systems, records, and schedules sharp using MS Office and Possession Planning System.
• Create Safe Systems of Work that meet the rule book and exceed expectations.
• Submit green zone access and isolation requests like a pro.
• Draft quarterly plans that make managers smile.
• Lead weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings with confidence.
• Represent Section Managers at planning meetings - your voice matters.
• Keep infrastructure maintenance records clean and compliant.
• Support the Assessment in The Line process.
• Set up slick, secure filing systems - especially for safety-critical documents.
• Be the administrative backbone for your Section Manager - multitasking skills required.

Skills

Work plan production

Resource optimisation

Scheduling systems

Communication skills

Time management

Organisation

Office management

IT systems confidence

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Core Planning Skills Level 2

Tools

Possession Planning System

MS Office

Job description

Who We Are

Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.

This is an exciting time to be part of the Southern Region Works Delivery Team, as we take on major infrastructure improvements in the years ahead.

Control Period 7 (CP7) brought about the opportunity to deliver capital works in new ways. Network Rail has taken the opportunity to build upon the lessons of other major programmes and portfolios to drive greater value and efficiency into project delivery and created the Southern Renewals Enterprise.

Works Delivery is one of the five partners in this Enterprise with a workbank of £1.3bn this Control Period, delivering schemes across Track, Signalling, Telecommunications, Electrification & Plant, Buildings and Civils. So, come and join us and have the opportunity to develop in a multidisciplinary organisation that delivers 400+ projects a year, providing you with the ability to develop and grow your career.

You’ll be playing a key role in ensuring we have a safe, efficient, and reliable railway for both passenger and freight services across the Southern Region.

SECTION PLANNER

Salary: £33,380 (starting, this will depend on competencies held) + Location Allowance

Location: Brighton CED

Planning with Purpose. Powered by People.

About The Role

Ready to Plan Big?

What You'll Be Owning

• Build detailed, resourced, and optimised work plans using corporate planning tools and databases.
• Keep systems, records, and schedules sharp using MS Office and Possession Planning System.
• Create Safe Systems of Work that meet the rule book and exceed expectations.
• Submit green zone access and isolation requests like a pro.
• Draft quarterly plans that make managers smile.
• Lead weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings with confidence.
• Represent Section Managers at planning meetings - your voice matters.
• Keep infrastructure maintenance records clean and compliant.
• Support the Assessment in The Line process.
• Set up slick, secure filing systems - especially for safety-critical documents.
• Be the administrative backbone for your Section Manager - multitasking skills required.

Your Experience And Skills

What You're Bringing

Essentials

• Work plan production and resource optimisation skills
• Scheduling system experience
• Core Planning Skills Level 2 (preferred)
• Access and possession process knowledge
• Safe System of Work planning expertise
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent organisational ability
• Office management experience
• Advanced time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Confidence using IT systems
• Initiative and drive to achieve results

Bonus Points

• Knowledge of the operational railway environment

Perks That Pack a Punch

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Bonus scheme to reward your impact
• Pension options to suit your future
• 75% rail season ticket subsidy (including the Tube)
• 75% off leisure rail travel
• Access to 'my benefits' - discounted online shopping
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave (armed forces community)
• 5 days paid volunteering leave

We're All About Inclusion

We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from - if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.

About Your Application

As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV.

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Safe behaviour

Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.

Drugs And Alcohol Standard

All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced

Let's Make Planning Exciting Again

This isn't just another desk job. It's a chance to shape the future of infrastructure, one plan at a time.