Operational Planner

Job Title: Operational Planner (Timetable Planner)

Company: Network Rail

Location: Milton Keynes, GB

Department: HR Employee Experience (348120) G5

Job Type: Full‑time, Permanent, Office‑based at The Quadrant: MK (must live within 75 minutes)

Band & Salary: Band 5, Fixed starting salary £27,650 with a £2,500 increase upon achieving Level 2 competency

Duration: Permanent

As a Timetable Planner you will shape the timetable that keeps Britain moving, analysing complex information, solving operational challenges, and ensuring passengers and freight customers receive reliable service.

• Analyse large sets of timetable data daily to assess service feasibility and balance safety, maintenance, and performance constraints.
• Balance critical factors to optimise capacity and meet reliability targets.
• Work closely with customers, explaining options, negotiating schedules, and shaping network operations.
• Complete a 6‑month probationary period, achieving Level 1 competency and demonstrating Network Rail behaviours.
• Engage with stakeholders and contribute to industry improvements across Operational Planning.

• Good analytical skills.
• Ability to quickly learn sophisticated train planning software.
• Flair for negotiation and persuasion.
• Strong communication skills.
• Customer engagement and relationship building with stakeholders.
• Experience delivering on agreed timelines and standards.

First 14–18 weeks: in‑depth training program covering classroom and on‑the‑job learning. Attain Level 1 competency and then progress to Level 2 professional accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators.

Closing date: 5 th January 2026 (advert may close early).

• Flexible/hybrid working after Level 2 competency.
• Generous annual leave (28 days + statutory), option to buy/sell days.
• Station discounts with Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 75 % subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest‑free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave.

Network Rail values a diverse, inclusive workplace and is a Disability Confident Leader, offering accommodation throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may obtain accessibility support from Even breaks Career Hive.

Safe behaviour is required; applicants must demonstrate awareness of the Safety Vision.

Network Rail is not sponsoring under Skilled Worker route; visa sponsorship not available.

For support with applications, contact details are provided by the advert.

All offers are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks.