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.¿
¿SECTION PLANNER
Salary: £33,216 + Location Allowance¿
Location: Ashford Old Railway Works
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.¿
About the role
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 docs.¿
Be the admin backbone for your Section Manager - multitasking mastery¿required.¿
Your experience and skills
¿What¿You're¿Bringing:¿
Essentials:¿
Work plan production & resource optimisation skills¿
Scheduling system experience¿
Core Planning Skills Level 2 (preferred)¿
Access & possession process¿know-how¿
Safe System of Work planning¿expertise¿
Communication that connects¿
Organisation that inspires¿
Office management experience¿
Time management that's¿next-level¿
Team player energy + solo superstar skills¿
IT system confidence¿
Initiative that drives 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¿that suit your future¿
75% rail season ticket subsidy¿(yes, even the Tube!)¿
75% off leisure rail travel¿for you and your fam¿
Access to¿'my benefits'¿- our discounted online shopping site¿
Training & development¿to help you grow¿
Employee¿assistance¿programme¿for support when you need it¿
2 weeks paid reserve leave¿for our armed forces community¿
5 days paid volunteering leave¿- give back your way¿
¿
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.¿
Let's¿Make Planning Exciting Again¿
This¿isn't¿just another desk job.¿It's¿a chance to shape the future of infrastructure, one plan at a time. Apply now and bring your edge to a role¿that's¿anything but ordinary.¿ ¿
¿