Ground Control is a leading external maintenance business and biodiversity expert committed to enhancing and improving the physical environment for our customers and their communities.
We're a purpose driven, values centred business, on a mission to realise the potential of human nature by bringing together people, places and the planet.
Human Nature - At Its Best
Rail Planner
Location: England
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
What you’ll do:
To manage and control the risks to personnel from site risks, activity risks and train movements (operational risk) by effective planning and the associated management and creation of;
* Safe Work Packs (SWP),
* Possessions and engineering work sites,
* Line blocks and associated additional protection arrangements,
for work activities “on or near the line”, or which could affect the area termed “on or near the line” as detailed in NR/L2/OHS/019 and as instructed by the relevant Responsible Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
Fulfilling the role requirements of the role of ‘Planner’ as per NR/L2/OHS/019, section 7.2:
a) be responsible for planning the work as instructed by the RM (GC diverge from the standard and do not accept SWP requests by the person in charge);
b) have suitable and sufficient task and site risk knowledge and experience; or
c) consult with those who can provide such knowledge and experience;
d) be assessed and competent as a SSoW Planner.
To work collaboratively with the Responsible Manger, Person in Charge and Assistant Planner to ensure effective and safe planning of railway safety critical activities.
To provide and support the operational team with technical rail SSOW planning expertise.
To access all hazard and access information available using the relevant systems including RailHub.
To ensure robust assurance to the requirements of NR/L2/OHS/019 and work collaboratively with the Rail HSQE Managers to support any investigations into non-compliance.
To plan and arrange all Line Blockage Planning both via PPS and GZAC systems, including the associated additional protection arrangements with support from the Operational Team and the Assistant Planner.
To maintain professional development and relevant safety critical competencies including periodic assessments for their role.
To develop and maintain effective relationships with the relevant rail route and regions there are responsible for working in.
Fulfilling the requirements of NR/L2/OHS/019, appendix B.4.1 Planner requirements – self checking, the Planner shall:
a) check and verify that all packs (including IRPs) have been returned, whether they are used or unused;
b) correct any errors or changes in the SWP before future use;
c) remove all incorrect SWPs from use;
d) advise the RM of any of the above.
Deputies: Deputies/Deputy for other members of the Planning Team as required based on competency level.
What we’re looking for:
* Hold & maintain the required Sentinel competence for SSOW Planner
* Have a detailed understanding of the relevant industry standards related to Safe Work Planning
* Have a least 5 years consistent relevant safety critical planning experience in the rail industry
* Experience of working safely within railway worksites and to Railway Standards
* Strong Systems & IT Literacy
Why join us:
Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.
Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.
Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.
Competitive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:
23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays
Yearly bonus scheme & Share options
Robust pension scheme
Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service
Free or subsidised national gym memberships
Employee Recognition Scheme
2 personal choice volunteering days
Ground Control
Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.
We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.
If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.
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Equal Opportunities Statement
At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.