Network Rail
Planning Assistant - 12-month Fixed Term Contract

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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. Click here to learn more.
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.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.
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About The Role
This is a Full-Time 12-month Fixed Term position.
The Planning Assistant provides support and assistance in all aspects of the Maintenance Delivery Unit Planning activities.
Key Accountabilities
- Assist the Delivery Unit Planning team as directed.
- 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.
- Assist in the preparation of reports as required.
We're a Disability Confident organisation and we'll try our best to adapt to suit individual needs.
Start your career journey with Network Rail and apply now by submitting your CV and completing the pre-screening questions.
We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone! 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.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader 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.


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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 contact ScotlandResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
Grade: Band 6
Salary: £25,409
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 28th July 2026 - late applications will not be accepted.
We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date (based on application volumes) so if you are interested in this vacancy, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible.
Here Are a Few Of The Benefits We Offer
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Choice of pension schemes
- Discounted leisure train travel for you and your family
- 75% subsidy on Rail and Underground season tickets
- 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
- My Benefits platform - giving national and local discounts on retailers, gym membership and more
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.
PLEASE NOTE - all offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks: Click here for more information.
Essential
Your experience and skills
- Knowledge of access planning processes and systems
- 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
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