Lead Possession Planner
Sector: Rail / Civil Engineering - Projects & Asset Maintenance
Location: Cumbernauld, Scotland
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Lead Possession Planner to play a key role in delivering a diverse portfolio of capital and asset management projects. In this role, you will take ownership of access planning, lead a dedicated team of planners, and ensure the safe and efficient coordination of all associated documentation.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic regional team working on high-profile infrastructure programmes across Scotland.
What We Offer
We believe in supporting our people to thrive both professionally and personally. In return, you can expect:
* Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
* Company car or car allowance
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service)
* Option to purchase additional leave
* Company contributory pension scheme
* Life insurance and health cash plan
* Structured development programmes and leadership pathways including women in leadership programmes.
* A culture that encourages inclusion, wellbeing and collaboration
* Opportunities to grow your career with clear progression routes
* Employee forums to ensure every voice is heard
About the Business Unit
You will be joining a fast-paced and collaborative environment delivering multidisciplinary civil engineering projects for a broad range of clients, including Local Authorities, Network Rail, and environmental organisations.
Our work spans a wide variety of infrastructure projects, including:
* Rail infrastructure
* Highways and roads
* Bridges (under, over and footbridges)
* Tunnels
* Flood alleviation and repair works
* Earthworks and embankments
* Rail platforms and station infrastructure
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The Role
As Lead Possession Planner, you will lead the Scotland Track Access Team (TAP) and play a central role in ensuring access planning supports project delivery safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Track Access Planning team
* Collaborate with project, construction, and estimating teams on all access planning matters
* Identify and optimise available possessions to support programme delivery
* Develop and manage master, contract, and detailed possession schedules
* Ensure possession, isolation, and protection requests are submitted in line with Network Rail standards and timescales
* Plan possession and protection arrangements
* Monitor, track, and communicate any changes to possession plans
* Prepare safety-critical documentation in accordance with railway standards
* Represent the organisation at possession meetings or arrange appropriate attendance
* Identify risks and opportunities, contributing to effective project management
* Support entitlement submissions where required
* Embed safety into all planning activities
* Maintain strong working relationships across planning teams and share best practice
* Submit road closure requests where necessary
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About You
You will bring proven experience in possession or access planning within a rail environment, along with the confidence to lead a team and collaborate across disciplines.
Essential Requirements
* Experience as a Lead Possession Planner or Access Planner
* Proven team leadership or supervisory experience
* PPS access planning experience
* SSOW Planning qualification (Core Level 2)
* Valid PTS certification
* Competence as a Controller of Site Safety (COSS)
* Strong understanding of the Network Rail Rule Book
* Ability to interpret Sectional Appendices, Hazard Directory, and environmental documentation
* Full UK driving licence
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Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are looking for a leadership role where your expertise in access planning will make a real difference to major infrastructure delivery, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of rail infrastructure in Scotland.