Lead Planner

Lead Planner - Rail Infrastructure ProjectsLocation: YorkContract Length: 12 MonthsRate: Competitive (DOE)

Join a leading player in the UK rail infrastructure sector and take the lead on planning and controls for some of the country's most complex and high-profile rail projects.

As Lead Planner, you'll play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of major infrastructure programmes. Whether heading up planning on a flagship project or overseeing a portfolio of smaller schemes, you'll be the go-to expert for all things scheduling, resource planning, and project controls.

You'll work closely with Project Managers, Commercial teams, and client stakeholders to ensure plans are robust, realistic, and aligned with delivery goals. This is a hands-on role where your technical expertise and leadership will directly influence project outcomes - and you'll also help shape best practice across the wider planning function.

• Lead the development and maintenance of detailed project schedules in line with internal procedures and industry standards.• Ensure plans are fully resource- and cost-loaded, and reflect the latest project scope and delivery strategy.• Collaborate with site planners, possession planners, and delivery teams to ensure alignment across all planning activities.• Provide critical path analysis, scenario modelling, and impact assessments for project changes.• Support tender planning and ensure a smooth transition from bid to delivery.• Produce clear, insightful reports for internal and client stakeholders, including KPIs, earned value, and delay analysis.• Act as a mentor to junior planners and contribute to continuous improvement across the planning function.• Build strong relationships with client representatives and work collaboratively to solve planning challenges.

Essential:• Proven experience planning major infrastructure projects - ideally within rail, but other complex engineering sectors will be considered.• Advanced user of Primavera P6, with working knowledge of MS Project and other planning tools.• Strong understanding of project controls, earned value, and critical path methodologies.• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels.• Analytical mindset with a proactive, problem-solving approach.• HND/HNC or degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience.

Desirable:• Background in engineering, construction, or rail signalling.• Familiarity with project management methodologies such as PRINCE2.• Experience working in both delivery and client-side environments.