Who We Are
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. 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.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
About the role
What You'll Do:
The planning assistant will be responsible for effective planning, scheduling and coordination of maintenance activities. Working closely with operational teams and key stakeholders, the post holder will assist in the production of possession plans, resource schedules and planning requests, ensuring activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with established procedures.
What You'll Bring:
We're looking for a highly organised individual with a strong ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You'll have excellent attention to detail, ensuring planning information, records and schedules are maintained accurately and consistently. With strong communication and interpersonal skills, you'll be confident building effective relationships and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, providing professional support and ensuring information is shared clearly and effectively.
What's in it For You (Benefits & Salary)
Here are a few of the benefits we offer:
28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
Choice of pension schemes
75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount
This vacancy is Band 6, salary starting £25,418 (This is a 12-Month secondment / FTC with the potential to be made perm)
Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know-we'll do our best to assist you.
For further information about the role or for help with the recruitment process, please contact LNEResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
PLEASE NOTE - all offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks: Click here for more information.
Apply now and start your journey with us. Together, we will keep Britain moving safely and efficiently.
Your experience and skills
Key Accountabilities
- Assist in the production of the Delivery Unit Period Possession Plan and resource schedules.
- Submit and process a variety of Access and Resource Planning requests in compliance with agreed processes and procedures.
- Accurately input, update and maintain relevant planning systems and records as required.
- Assist in the coordination and optimisation of all resources for efficient maintenance delivery.
- Provide effective support to plan changes and emergency works.
- Liaise with external and internal contacts across functions in relation to the planning requests.
Essential
- Knowledge of relevant standards and procedures
- Knowledge of operational railway environment
- Good geographical knowledge
- Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of maintenance processes and techniques
- Knowledge of Maintenance Planning Systems
Don't meet every requirement?
Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role. If this isn't the job for you, there may be other roles available in the wider team.
What does our recruitment process look like?
Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist & the hiring manager will look at your CV.
If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be contacted by our Resourcing Team and invited to an interview.
To apply for this role, click 'apply now. For tips to help you prepare and apply, click here
We're a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Closing date: 6th November 2026. Please get your application in as soon as possible; we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications may not be accepted.