Job Title: Senior Planner
Contract Dates: ASAP - 20/10/2026
Location: Derby
IR35 Determination: Outside


Our client delivers advanced solutions and full turnkey systems to rail networks globally, covering automation, communications, and electrification. Its clients include infrastructure operators, national rail providers, industrial rail systems, and urban transit authorities. The company’s technologies support efficient operations, improved performance, and enhanced mobility across rail networks.
The Role
As a Senior Planner, you will take a leading role within the planning function, overseeing project planning and controls for either a large-scale programme or several smaller projects. You will be an integral part of the delivery team, working closely with senior project and programme managers to ensure projects are effectively planned, monitored, and delivered.
You will also contribute to wider business planning activities by ensuring appropriate resource allocation across your projects. Drawing on your experience, you will help drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote best practice throughout the planning function. Mentoring and supporting junior planners will also form part of your responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
*Lead planning and project controls activities across assigned projects
*Act as the subject matter expert for planning, ensuring consistent use of processes, standards, and tools
*Create and manage detailed project schedules in line with internal procedures and governance frameworks
*Collaborate with project, commercial, and finance teams to ensure plans are accurate, resource-loaded, and cost-aligned
*Coordinate with site and possession planners to align all scheduling activities
*Support the transition of tender programmes into live project schedules in collaboration with bid teams
*Develop strong working relationships with clients, ensuring collaborative and effective planning solutions
*Carry out critical path analysis and highlight risks, delays, and mitigation strategies
*Produce regular reports including KPIs, earned value metrics, and schedule performance updates for both internal stakeholders and clients
*Conduct scenario planning and impact assessments for project changes, including cost, time, and resource implications
*Promote continuous improvement within planning and controls across the organisation
Requirements
Essential:
*Degree, HND, HNC, or equivalent relevant experience
*Proven experience in planning large infrastructure projects, ideally within rail
*Ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and client representatives
*Advanced proficiency in Primavera (P6) and familiarity with other planning tools such as MS Project
*Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a proactive and confident approach
*Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
Desirable:
*Background in engineering, technical disciplines, or business, with rail signalling knowledge advantageous
*Understanding of project management methodologies such as PRINCE2
*Experience managing or leading planning teams on major infrastructure programmes


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