Strategy & Planning Assistant

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail seeks a dedicated Strategy & Planning Assistant in Milton Keynes to provide administrative and analytical support within the National Access Planning team. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of long-term needs of the rail industry, ensuring efficiency through strong communication and analytical skills. This permanent role offers flexibility and significant benefits, including generous annual leave and a defined benefit pension scheme.

Benefits

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

28 days annual leave plus statutory days

Discounts at stations with Network Rail pass

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets

Interest-free travel loan for season tickets

Volunteer leave

Qualifications

• Understanding of the rail industry is essential.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills required.
• Good communication skills, verbal and written, are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Produce national documents reflecting engineering access plans.
• Maintain documents in SharePoint and manage version control.
• Liaise with Network Rail teams to ensure information accuracy.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Numerical skills

Knowledge of rail industry

Job description

Location

Milton Keynes, GB

Department Name

PL Capacity Planning Development (552202) G3

About Network Rail

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. Click here to learn more.

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. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent, this role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.

Location: This role is based in The Quadrant: MK. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 75 minutes of the office or be willing to self-relocate.

Band & Salary: Band 5 £26,000 per annum

Brief Description

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team. This is a permanent role based in Milton Keynes. In this position, you will provide comprehensive administrative, and analytical support to System Operator. Your contributions will be crucial in developing the long-term needs of the rail industry, its users, funders, and stakeholders. We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a positive impact on the rail industry and is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment. If you have a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical mindset, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our dynamic team.

About The Role (External)

About the team…

The role sits within National Access Planning, our team own the Access Planning Framework from the Engineering Access Statement to late notice engineering access requests.

The Access Planning Framework consists of the timeline, principles, and processes that Network Rail must adhere to when planning Engineering work.

What does the average day look like?

The National Access Planning team provide expertise, advice, and assurance to the rail industry. Supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of the engineering access plan, and its impact on the railway and its users.

The role of Strategy & Planning Assistant supports this by

• Producing national documents to reflect the engineering access plans required by route teams.
• Maintaining documents in SharePoint, acting as document controller for version control and access requirements.
• Liaising closely with Network Rail teams to ensure accuracy of information, managing changes and deadlines for publication.
• Reporting of periodic key performance indicators
• Supporting the National Access Planning team at national meetings.
• Providing administrative support to the National Access Planning team, managing contact to the shared inbox.
• Monitoring and auditing internal processes to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to process owners.
• Maintaining key internal and external stakeholder relationships.
  
  
  

Please note that this role requires some travel and a few overnight stays to attend national meetings throughout the year

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of the rail industry
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to interrogate and utilise data systems
  
  
  

How To Apply (External)

If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information and please ensure that you have the IREC number (IRC2316229) ready as you will need this.

Closing date: 08th of June 2025. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held 16th of June 2025, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more….