Planning Manager

Location: Remote, UK

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

About the Role

Ground Control is looking for a Lead Planning Manager to take ownership of planning safe rail operations. You will manage activities on or near the line, ensuring all works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Network Rail standards. You’ll lead a team of planners, coordinate across operational teams, and play a key role in maintaining high safety standards across all projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning for safety-critical activities, including possessions, line blockages, and associated protective arrangements.
• Assess risks, manage hazards, and ensure all works are planned safely and efficiently.
• Maintain compliance with internal procedures, Health & Safety legislation, and Network Rail regulations.
• Mentor and support Assistant Planners to ensure safe and effective planning.
• Collaborate with Operations Managers and external stakeholders to coordinate resources and deliver projects successfully.
• Keep up to date with industry standards, legal requirements, and safety best practices.

What we’re looking for:

Essential

• Have suitable and sufficient task and site risk knowledge
• Hold and maintain the required Sentinel competence for SSOW Planner
• Hold a relevant track safety competence such as PTS and COSS
• Have a detailed understanding of the relevant industry standards related to Safe Work Planning
• Have at 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
• To maintain professional development and relevant safety critical competencies including periodic assessments for their role.

Desirable

• Hold and/or be working towards a relevant level of safety qualification: SMSTS, Nebosh etc
• Have 10 years consistent relevant safety critical planning experience in the rail industry.
• Hold a full, clean UK driving licence

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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