Workforce Planning Consultant

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Generous leave

Train ticket subsidy

Pension scheme

Travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Milton Keynes is seeking a Workforce Planning professional to join HR Resourcing and Industry Transition. You will collaborate with business leaders to develop workforce plans, analyse data, forecast capacity, and inform strategic decision-making to ensure the right skills are available when needed.

You will work across HR, talent and operations, manage multiple priorities, and drive improvements in planning processes, governance, and reporting using tools like Power BI and

Qualifications

• Essential: Undergraduate degree in business-related topic or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to interpret data, identify trends and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience in workforce planning, resource forecasting, or capacity modelling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with HR, talent and business teams to develop practical workforce solutions.
• Analyse workforce data to identify risks and opportunities and support decision-making.
• Monitor progress, governance activities, and drive improvements in planning processes.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Multi-project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in Business or related

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

Job description

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.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

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.

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.

About the role

What does the average day look like?

On an average day, we work with stakeholders across the business to ensure workforce plans support organisational goals. We use workforce, resource, and capacity data to identify trends, highlight risks, and provide evidence-based recommendations that support decision-making.

Collaborating with HR, talent, and business teams, we manage multiple priorities, develop practical workforce solutions, monitor progress and governance activities, and continuously improve planning processes to deliver the right people, with the right skills, at the right time.

A little bit about the team...

Join a team that is shaping the future of the railway. As a Workforce Planning professional, you'll work at the heart of strategic decision-making, helping Network Rail ensure it has the right people, skills and capabilities to deliver today's railway and meet the challenges of tomorrow. From leading innovative place-based workforce planning pilots and developing future skills strategies, to driving workforce planning maturity, capability development, workforce analytics, technology transformation and long-term business planning, no two days are the same. You'll collaborate with senior leaders, industry partners and local communities to solve complex workforce challenges, influence major investment decisions, and help build a more inclusive, diverse and future-ready railway. If you're passionate about turning data into insight, shaping organisational strategy, and making a lasting impact on the future workforce, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing and influential profession.

Next Steps

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 31 st August, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail

We're looking for a collaborative and analytical workforce planning professional who can turn data into insight and support strategic decision-making. You'll be confident working with stakeholders, managing multiple priorities.

While identifying workforce risks and opportunities to help ensure the organisation has the right people, with the right skills, at the right time. Most importantly, you'll be keen to make a tangible impact and help shape the future workforce of the railway.

• Knowledge of Strategic Workforce Planning principles and how they align with organisational goals
• Strong ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make evidence-based recommendations
• Undergraduate degree in a business related topic, or an equivalent level qualification within workforce
• planning or equivalent relevant experience
• Ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams, meet deadlines, and deliver outcomes
• Competence in Excel and workforce planning tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
• Proven experience in workforce planning, resource forecasting, or capacity modelling

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

The Quadrant:MK, Milton Keynes

Closing Date:

21-AUG-2026

Job Category:

HR and Legal

Function:

Human Resources

Organisation:

HR Resourcing and Industry Transition (348440) G5