Section Planner

Who We Are

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.

Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria

This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.

If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

About the role

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Section Planner to join our team based in Stockport, to create work plans for our Maintenance teams.

Every day will be different, but you can expect to be involved in the following activities:

This role involves supporting the delivery unit by working with our system support team to ensure data accuracy within our systems such as Ellipse along with supporting the Delivery Unit by planning for our On Track Machines and Tech Teams.

Key tasks include planning and optimising activities, updating records, producing safety plans, submitting access requests, drafting quarterly plans, managing weekly planning meetings, representing managers in planning forums, and maintaining maintenance records.

How to apply

We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace. .

• Salary: Starting at £26,000

• Generous annual leave (28 days plus bank holidays *contract type dependant), with the option to buy/sell days.

• Defined benefit pension scheme.

• 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.

• Up to 75% off leisure travel. (Discretionary)

• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.

• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

• Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.

• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments

Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here .

Closing date: 28 th July 2026. Late applications may not be accepted.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .

You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact [email protected] or add a note to your application.

Where possible we will offer a diverse interview panel for this vacancy.

Your experience and skills

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:

• Work Plan production and resource optimisation skills
• Scheduling profile in work planning/scheduling system
• Core Planning Skills Level 2
• Knowledge of access and possession processes and systems
• Safe System of Work Planning Process and System

• Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills

We would also like but it isn't crucial to have/to be:

• Knowledge of maintenance delivery processes and techniques
• Rail Hub trained
• Ellipse trained

Key Information

Vacancy Details

Number of Positions

Contract Type

Permanent

Hours

Either

Salary

£26,000

Location

Manchester Stockholm Road, Stockport

Geographical Area

North West England

Closing Date

28-JUL-2026

Job Category

Administration & Secretarial

Function

North West & Central Region

Organisation

BF ISM Manchester Indirect (854036) G2

Location Map