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Planning Assistant (Access) (Orpington)

IRC2352684

Planning Assistant (Access) (Orpington)

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.

Planning Assistant (Access) - Support Rail Operations

Location: Orpington 
Contract: Full-Time - (permanent)

Salary: £25,409-£38,742 

Join Our Planning Team and Keep Britain Moving

We're looking for a Planning Assistant (Access) to help optimise and integrate engineering access into the Route Access Plan. In this role, you'll work cross-functionally, liaising with work requesters, customers, and stakeholders to build and refine plans that keep our railway safe and efficient.

About the role

What You'll Do 

  • Support the Planning Team in delivering all activities related to possessions, worksites, line blockages, TSRs, On-Track Machines, and engineering trains in line with standards. 

  • Process and integrate route access requirements into the engineering access plan. 

  • Attend and, when required, co-chair possession planning meetings, producing and validating publications and updates. 

  • Assist with creating documentation and materials to support operational delivery of the access plan. 

  • Engage with stakeholders and customers to coordinate access requirements across the route. 

  • Identify and support implementation of quality and efficiency improvements. 

Your experience and skills

What you'll need........ 

Essential: 

  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 

  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 

  • Excellent communication skills with a customer-focused approach. 

  • Willingness to learn and document all aspects of access planning. 

  • Good IT skills and ability to operate planning systems. 

Desirable: 

  • Knowledge of railway geography and network capability. 

  • Understanding of train services and network capacity. 

  • Familiarity with planning systems. 

Perks That Pack a Punch 

We offer excellent benefits, including: 

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

  • Defined benefit pension scheme. 

  • 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets. 

  • Up to 75% off leisure travel. 

  • Flexible/hybrid working arrangements. 

  • Volunteer leave to make a positive impact. 

  • Carer's leave to support those who matter. 

  • Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to Work plus more. 

  • Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 

    Plus, more... 

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.  

Ready to play a key role in planning the future of Britain's railway? Apply now and join a team that values precision, collaboration, and innovation! 

Key Information

Vacancy Details

Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Permanent
Hours:
Full Time
Salary:
£25,409 - £38,742
Location:
Orpington
Geographical Area:
London (Inside M25)
Closing Date:
26-MAY-2026
Job Category:
Administration & Secretarial
Function:
Southern Region
Organisation:
DC Planners, Orpington (832034) G1

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