Section Planner [Off Track] - Maternity cover Secondment / Fixed Term Contract

Network Rail; Ashford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension options

Rail season ticket subsidy 75%

Discount rail travel 75% off

Training and development opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Ashford is seeking a proactive Section Planner to turn data into actionable work plans and drive scheduling. You will be essential in building resourced plans, using planning tools, and ensuring safety systems are in place.

You will lead weekly planning meetings, maintain compliant records, and support the Line checks while coordinating with the Section Manager and broader team. This is a band 5 secondment / fixed-term maternity cover at full-time hours.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to produce robust work plans and optimise resources.
• Experience with scheduling systems and possession planning processes.
• Knowledge of Safe System of Work planning and access/possession rules.
• Strong communication, organisation, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed, resourced, and optimised work plans.
• Maintain records and schedules using MS Office and Possession Planning System.
• Draft Safe Systems of Work that meet the rule book and exceed expectations.
• Submit green zone access and isolation requests.
• Draft quarterly plans that make managers smile.
• Lead weekly Plan-Do-Review meetings with confidence.
• Represent Section Managers at planning meetings and maintain records.

Skills

Work plan production

Resource optimisation

Scheduling experience

Core Planning Skills Level 2

Access and possession process

Safe System of Work planning

Strong communication

Organisational ability

Office management experience

Time management

Team collaboration

Initiative and drive

Education

Core Planning Skills Level 2 (preferred)

Tools

Possession Planning System

MS Office

Job description

Who We Are

Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters. 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.

Section Planner

Salary: £34,000

Location: Ashford Old Railway works

Contract: Band 5 - Secondment / Fixed term contract (maternity Cover)

Hours: Full Time

About The Role

Planning with Purpose. Powered by People. Ready to Plan Big?

We're looking for a Section Planner who's not just great with systems and schedules - but someone who brings energy, innovation, and inclusion to everything they do. If you love turning data into action, creating plans that actually work, and being the glue that holds a team together - this is your moment.

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

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.

Safety and Compliance

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. 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. Bring your edge to a role that's anything but ordinary.