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