Lead Project Planner

Contract
Engineering
Experienced
Project Planner, Network Rail
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester
£480 - £530 per day

Lead Project Planner
Location: Manchester or York (3 days per week on-site, remainder flexible)
Contract Length: 12 months
Day Rate: Up to £530 (Inside IR35)


We are seeking an experienced Lead Project Planner to join a major infrastructure programme that is transforming rail services across the North of England. This is an opportunity to play a key role in one of the UK's largest rail upgrade programmes, helping to deliver complex engineering projects that will bring long-term benefits to passengers and freight.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead planning and scheduling activities across a major infrastructure programme

  • Provide clear planning and scheduling outputs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

  • Support and mentor planning teams, developing capability across the function

  • Simplify complex and detailed programme information for reporting purposes

  • Ensure schedules align with access principles and operational requirements

  • Work closely with stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • Strong communication and leadership skills

  • Proven experience in planning, scheduling and delivery of major construction or engineering projects

  • Proficiency in proprietary planning and scheduling software tools

  • Understanding of railway or complex infrastructure design and delivery principles

  • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and resource planning

  • Membership of a relevant professional body, or evidence of CPD towards membership

Desirable:

  • Experience with rail industry planning processes and systems

  • Knowledge of UK rail industry practices

  • Educated to A-level standard (or equivalent) in mathematics, IT or a related field

What's on Offer:

  • 12-month contract with the possibility of extension

  • Day rate up to £530 (Inside IR35)

  • Flexible working, with a requirement for a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Manchester or York

Application Deadline: 29th September

How to Apply
Submit your CV as soon as possible to be considered. Early applications are encouraged as the role may close once sufficient candidates have been identified.

Similar Jobs

£50000 - £55000 per annum + 26 days plus all bank holidays
Nottinghamshire
We are recruiting for an experienced Project Manager (M&E) to join a leading engineering organisation based in Retford. This is an exciting opportunity to manage bespoke projects and installations across the UK, combining office-based and hybrid working.
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for an exciting 6-month project based in Norwich. This is a high-profile, large-scale project, offering the opportunity to work on cutting-edge engineering systems.
£28000 - £33000 per annum + 25 days plus bank holidays
Suffolk
Our client, based in Newmarket, is looking to recruit a Graduate Electrical Design Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate (or someone early in their career) to gain hands-on experience in electrical design within a supportive and well-structured environment.
£50000 - £55000 per annum
Hampshire
Health & Safety Advisor - Construction / Capital Projects Location: South of England Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 DOE Contract: Full-Time, Permanent I'm partnering with a major organisation delivering large-scale construction and capital infrastructure projects, who are looking to appoint an experienced Health & Safety Advisor with a proven track record of implementing change, raising standards, and influencing safety culture across complex environments.
£50000 - £54000 per annum + Private Medical Insurance, Discount Card
Norfolk
Maintenance Team Leader - Days Only Our client, a leading company in the FMCG industry, is seeking an experienced Maintenance Team Leader to lead a small team of engineers while remaining hands-on on the tools. This is a days-only role in a fast-paced engineering environment, ideal for a strong electrical/mechanical engineer looking to step into or continue in a leadership role.
£60000 - £70000 per annum
Norfolk
Food Technical Manager Location: Near Snetterton Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum Contract: Full-Time, Permanent I'm currently recruiting for an experienced Food Technical Manager to join a well-established food manufacturing business operating within a high-risk environment. This is a key leadership role, responsible for food safety, quality, compliance, and customer standards across the site.
£40000 - £45000 per annum
Norfolk
Health & Safety Manager Location: East Harling Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 I'm partnering with a well-established business that is creating a new Health & Safety Manager role, offering an excellent opportunity for a Health & Safety Advisor who is ready to step up into a management position. This is a hands-on, fully onsite role where you'll have the chance to put your own stamp on the H&S function, shape processes, and grow with the business.
£30000 - £35000 per annum
Nottinghamshire
We are looking for a proactive Assistant Production Planner to join our busy Manufacturing and Assembly team. You will support production scheduling, materials planning, and coordination across projects and stock builds, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery.
£30000 - £35000 per annum + 26 days plus all bank holidays
Nottinghamshire
Our client, a well-established and respected company specialising in environmental infrastructure projects, is looking to appoint a Mechanical Fitter to join their growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced, hands-on individual looking to take the next step in their career with a company that values development, teamwork, and progression.
£35000 - £45000 per annum + 25 days plus bank holidays
Suffolk
Our client, based in Newmarket, is looking to hire an Electrical Design Engineer to join its expanding team.
£30000 - £35000 per annum + 26 days plus all bank holidays, expenses
Nottinghamshire
A well-established engineering company is seeking a Site Supervisor to join their Installation & Operations team. This role involves regular UK-wide travel and staying away from home Monday to Friday, so it's ideal for someone who enjoys a hands-on, field-based position and can confidently lead site teams while maintaining high safety standards.
£35000 - £45000 per annum + Life Insurance
Norfolk
An established engineering business within the specialist mechanical design sector is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join its growing design team. This role offers the opportunity to work on varied, technically interesting projects and to develop alongside an experienced and supportive engineering function.