Principal Project Planner - IP
Location: Leeds, GB
Salary: £55,596 to £65,966 per annum
Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), permanent
Office requirement: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days per week working from the office
About the role
As part of the Integrated Planning Team within the wider Programme Controls function, this role provides a unique opportunity to develop and manage end-to-end schedules for a complex, multi-stage, multi-disciplinary programme involving several organisations, including train operators.
The Principal Project Planner supports the requirements of DfT/Treasury, Network Rail/TRU programme boards, Enterprise Leadership, and delivery teams, providing guidance and training to junior members of the function.
Working within an integrated, cloud-based Primavera environment managed by the TRU Integrated Planning Team, the role enables collaborative planning that can respond quickly to emerging needs while supporting long-term programme objectives.
Key responsibilities
* Provide leadership in respect of the planning processes; identification of key stakeholders; communication; promote awareness of accountabilities and responsibilities, to junior members of team.
* Develop, maintain and progress quality programme plans / schedules in line with the functional processes and programme requirements.
* Maintain key interdependencies between projects and programmes confirming appropriate monitoring and action is undertaken as required in a timely manner.
* Demonstrate performance through agreed performance indicators the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme plans / schedules.
* Validate plans / schedules inline with the agreed Schedule Management Plan for completeness and fitness for purpose.
* Provide the key point of interface between the planning function and the project/programme teams and interface between the other project support functions such as Risk & Value; Cost Management etc.
* Oversee contractor schedules, confirming compliance with Network Rail/TRU procedural and quality requirements.
* Provide technical expertise and guidance to the project team and provide functional expertise as required.
* Support the continued personal and professional development of the planning resources within the project or programme.
Qualifications
* Membership of a relevant professional body and/or CPD established to attain membership.
* Relevant successful experience in the management, planning and delivery of major construction/engineering projects.
* Relevant successful experience of proprietary software planning/scheduling tools.
* Previous knowledge and expertise within the field of project resource management.
* Good communication skills at all levels and a team player.
* Good information technology user skills. It would be advantageous: Experience of visualising schedule information.
* Ability to distil complex information into digestible formats.
* Experience of verbal presentations.
* Experience of automating schedule information into data platforms.
* Advanced ability with Microsoft packages, particularly excel.
* Experience of supporting health and wellbeing within a team environment.
Benefits
28 days annual leave + bank holidays. Employees will be entitled to a discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel including off‑peak and super off‑peak tickets. Employees will also be entitled to 75% discount on season tickets.
Hybrid working: Minimum 3 days per week working from the office.
Application process
The recruitment process includes an initial sift of applications, followed by a face‑to‑face, competency‑based interview. Depending on the number of suitable candidates, a second sift may involve submitting video responses to motivational and technical questions.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.
We are an inclusive employer of choice, Disability Confident Leader! We encourage people to work flexibly and welcome applications from everyone.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety and awareness in your application.
Closing date: 19 December 2025 – Late applications will not be accepted.
Additional information
For more information about the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and the role, visit www.theTRUpgrade.co.uk.
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