Possession Planner
- Posted 20 January 2026
- LocationCarlisle
- Job type Contract
- ReferenceRS/SI/PP/CAR
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
Deliver all aspects of Engineering Access Planning, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective planning of client engineering access. Deliver the co-ordinated planning, resourcing, and implementation of engineering access in accordance with project timescales and industry standards. To effectively manage resources including quality, safety, time, costs, people, materials, and tools / equipment.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY / TASKS
Responsibility for delivery of engineering access safely, to time and within budget
Ensure the safety culture is authentic zero accident / incident
Responsibility for planning all track access activities and managing the required resources
Responsibility for compliance with appropriate legislation and standards
Ensure that all resources hold appropriate qualifications / licences for the activities carried out
Ensure rework cycles on projects are minimised and lessons learnt are implemented
Implementation of approved best practice techniques to ensure standards are maintained
Apply appropriate planning, safety, and performance measures to all client engineering possessions
Maintain accurate and detailed records of possession arrangements
Proactively deliver track access and operational interface elements of projects within timescales during both planning and implementation
Ensure engineering access timescales and critical milestones are met
Produce and book robust, safe, deliverable & technically compliant possessions, worksites, signalling disconnections and electrical isolations on behalf of client
Book engineering and test trains as required (via NROL or Network Rail processes)
Attend Network Rail possession / territory meetings to ensure appropriate deconfliction of works and appropriate access is obtained
Book / confirm appropriate possession resources
Resolve possession / Worksite conflicts to deliver the client plan, whilst minimising commercial risk
Identify possession / engineering access risks and implement mitigation risks throughout the possession lifecycle
Produce WON section C, D and Operating Notice material and submit to Network Rail within timescales
Negotiate with Network Rail, Train and Freight Operating Companies for disruptive / enhanced possessions and access to Network Rail and third party owned depots / yards
Support submission of client tender documentation, ensuring that possession, isolation and signalling disconnection strategies are identified and secured
Provide professional advice from an operations / engineering access viewpoint
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Track competences relevant to role (Safe System of Work Planner, SWL2, ES, SWL1, COSS, IWA)
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge & Experience:
Minimum of 5 years railway operations experience of which 2 years should include planning / management of engineering work
Good communication skills at all levels of department and other disciplines also customer and suppliers
Excellent IT skills (specifically MS Office)
The ability to prioritise workload and achieve objectives
A high degree of self-direction
Commercial awareness and ability to manage work packages and identify change
A proven track record of delivery, with demonstrable ability to form effective working relationships
Through knowledge of the rule book, railway operating rules, regulations for train signalling and group standards
Sound working knowledge of engineering access planning tools (including PPS, Green Zone Planner, Sectional Appendix, Train Planning, Electrical Isolation booking process, Engineering Access Statement and on-trac/e-pic systems)
Appreciation of ORR Informed Traveller regulations and Network Rail Schedule 4 compensation structure for disruption to Train and Freight Operating Companies
Technical competence demonstrable by appropriate SSOW planner licence
Hold full UK driving licence
Specific Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities for this Post:
Set and lead the right behaviours to support creating a robust H&S culture
Set an example by their own actions and activities
Set targets and objectives for H&S and environmental for their direct staff, using the HSE tool and processes on the BMS for managing H&S and environmental objectives
Ensure that directed staff are capable and competent to undertake the tasks allocated to them
Ensure effective implementation of the SMO UKI BMS relating to Manuals, Plans, SSOW and other activities for which your role has responsibilities to ensure compliance with PCL requirements
Communicate and encourage feedback on H&S and environmental issues
Undertake appropriate disciplinary action for any breach of H&S following the just culture process
Investigate accidents or incidents to determine basic causes, feedback information both up and down the organisation using the SMO reporting system
Ensure adequate H&S equipment is to hand and is used by employees
Undertake H&S tours or inspections; take action where deficiencies are observed
When unable to rectify or remedy unsafe situations either stop work if the risk is too high and/or report the deficiency (and involve HSE) to the Project Manager for action
Promote and use the business procedures to control and manage work
Understand the H&S and environment risks involved in any activity they control and ensure any mitigation designated to control that risk are effectively operated/implemented
Be prepared and be competent to manage any foreseen emergency situations
Become involved in any worksafe problem and help resolve that problem
Maintain their competence to manage their own H&S and environmental responsibilities and contribute to their directs competence to manage their H&S and environmental responsibilities