Project Planner

Project Planner - IP Company: Network Rail Location: Manchester, GB Department: IN TRU - West 2BC (457350) G2 Key Information Role: Project Planner (Multiple roles) Salary: £43,588 to £51,719 per annum Location: One role based in Leeds, the other in York, Leeds or Manchester Contract Type: Full time (35 hours per week), permanent Office Requirement: Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week working from the office Recruitment process: Initial application sift, face‑to‑face competency interview, possible video responses Annual Leave: 28 days + bank holidays Benefits: 75% discount on leisure travel (including off‑peak and super off‑peak tickets) and season tickets About Network Rail At Network Rail, we keep passengers and freight moving safely across the country. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, you will help build a better connected railway. We value flexibility, work‑life balance and are a Disability Confident Leader. Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) The TRU is a £10.7 billion programme that improves the railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield. It spans 76 miles, serves 23 stations and involves 285 bridges, viaducts, tunnels and 11 level crossings. Brief Description As part of the Integrated Planning Team within Programme Controls, you will develop and manage end‑to‑end schedules for a complex, multi‑stage programme involving train operators and other organisations. You will support the requirements of DfT/Treasury, Network Rail/ TRU programme boards and delivery teams, and contribute to innovative planning solutions for future delivery. Ideal Candidate We’re looking for a passionate individual who wants to drive the TRU Programme schedule and reporting to an outstanding industry‑leading level, and bring innovation and fresh vigour to programme controls. Key Qualities Capable of providing insightful data through digestible mediums to various levels within the TRU Programme. Confident in raising concerns about qualitative and schedule performance data. Attention to detail ensuring periodic reporting is accurate and consistent. Organised and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Resilient and willing to overcome challenges. Ability to constructively challenge current processes, supporting continuous improvement. Support a collaborative environment, working as one team. Why Join Us? Be part of a team driving industry‑leading standards in programme planning. Work with cutting‑edge tools, including an integrated cloud‑based Primavera solution. Collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders across the rail industry. Influence and innovate planning processes for future programmes. Key Accountabilities Become a key member of the integrated planning team, supporting delivery of the programme. Support effective information sharing and collection with all stakeholders. Review and update the Programme/Project work breakdown structure using templates. Develop quality plans/schedules aligned with scheduling principles and processes. Monitor, progress and adjust the plan/schedule, develop recovery and contingency plans as required. Identify planning issues/opportunities, review risks and update accordingly. Report actual performance, variance and forecast outcomes; highlight milestone and critical path issues. Monitor and audit plans, ensuring compliance with TRU/Network Rail procedures. Interrogate contractors’ statement of progress for schedule adherence. Identify key resource requirements, monitor booking and availability. Qualifications & Experience Relevant experience in the successful scheduling of engineering projects. Knowledge of railway investment planning systems. Experience using a range of project management scheduling tools and techniques. Advantages Experience visualising schedule information. Ability to distil complex information into digestible formats. Experience automating schedule information into data platforms. Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel. Safety & EEO Statement Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. You must demonstrate a personal commitment to safety and awareness. We are an inclusive employer of choice, a Disability Confident Leader. We encourage people to work flexibly and welcome applications from everyone. How to Apply All offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory pre‑employment checks. We retain the right to close the advert early based on application volume. For more information, including accessibility support, contact TRU Resourcing (Resourcing@networkrail.co.uk). Closing Date 19th December 2025 (applications after this date will not be considered). Late applications will not be accepted. Additional Information Some roles may require face‑to‑face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be provided as part of the formal offer. #J-18808-Ljbffr