Section Planner [Track] - Eastleigh

Network Rail; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Bank holidays

Bonus scheme

Pension options

Rail season ticket subsidy

My benefits discounts

Training and development

Employee assistance programme

Reserve leave for armed forces

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Section Planner in the Southern Region. Band 5, 12 Month Secondment, Full Time. You will build detailed work plans, keep records, create Safe Systems of Work, manage access/possession processes, and lead weekly planning meetings. The role requires strong organisation, IT proficiency, and ability to work both independently and with a team.

Join a collaborative environment in a dynamic railway setting with opportunities for development and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to plan and schedule work with precision.
• Experience with planning tools and databases.
• Familiarity with Access and Possession processes.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed, resourced, and optimised work plans.
• Maintain records and schedules using MS Office and planning systems.
• Draft Safe Systems of Work and manage access requests.
• Lead planning meetings and represent management in reviews.
• Ensure safety-critical documentation filing and compliance.
• Support organisational processes within a busy railway environment.

Skills

Work plan production

Resource optimisation

Scheduling system experience

Core Planning Skills Level 2

Access and possession process

Safe System of Work planning

Excellent organisational ability

Advanced time management

Independent and team work

IT systems proficiency

Initiative and drive

Job description

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

Contract: Band 5 - 12 Month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract Opportunity (this role may have the potential to be extended in the future)

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

• 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
• Excellent organisational ability
• 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)
• Access to 'my benefits' - discounted online shopping
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave (armed forces community)

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.

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.