As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway. We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment, we’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Project Planner to support and develop multiple work streams within WMT. From the early stages of project planning through to the creation of an Integrated Programme Plan, you’ll be at the heart of coordinating and aligning activities across diverse teams. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. What does the job involve? Become a key member of the project management team, delivering high-quality planning support to enable successful project outcomes. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with all project stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing. Create detailed work breakdown structures and schedules that support project objectives and enable robust performance tracking. Develop high-quality plans and schedules in line with established project planning principles and processes. Continuously monitor progress, adapt plans as needed, and create recovery and contingency strategies to meet evolving project demands. Contribute to the project’s critical issues and risk log, ensuring planning risks are identified, reviewed, and reflected in the risk register. Report on actual performance versus planned outcomes, highlighting key milestones and critical path issues, and recommending corrective actions. Audit and monitor project plans, ensuring contractor planning processes meet procedural standards. Review contractor progress statements to assess schedule adherence and support payment validation. Identify and track key resource requirements, ensuring availability and proper allocation throughout the project lifecycle. What skills and experience do I need to do the job? Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to manage and present complex planning data effectively. Proven experience in planning within rail projects, particularly infrastructure-focused programmes. Skilled in performing, monitoring, and reviewing planning and scheduling functions to support project delivery. Capable of producing clear and insightful monthly planning reports. Solid understanding of Network Rail’s GRIP (Governance for Railway Investment Projects) processes. Experienced in leading planning meetings and assurance reviews, driving alignment and accountability. Familiarity with a range of project management scheduling tools and techniques. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels. A collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships. Degree educated or equivalent professional experience. What are the salary and benefits? Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children 75% off all other train company travel tickets Retail discounts Career development opportunities Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation. Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.