Access Planning Specialist

The team manages, control, negotiate and develop a safe, efficient and robust Route Engineering Access Plan, supporting the delivery of the Route Strategic Business Plan, minimising financial exposure and resolving access conflicts through industry engagement and consultation. In connection with this you will directly produce and manage the production of amended train service arrangements to reduce the overall disruption to the movement of passengers and freight in line with Network Code requirements.

About the role (External)

Your Main Responsibilities will be to:

1. Develop and manage the Engineering Access Statement and Period Possession Plan including Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) strategies and compliance in accordance with industry timescales and standards.

2. Manage the Network Code late change control process and subsequent late disruptive access negotiations with customers, delivering the best overall industry value.

3. Negotiate and resolve issues under dispute and any access easement requests from TOC/FOCs, notifying appropriate constraints to Planning Teams and Work Deliverers.

4. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with TOC/FOCs, Planning Teams and Work Deliverers to facilitate delivery of the Engineering Access Plan, minimising exposure to Schedule 4.

5. Provide management, direction and support to the planning team, acting as a role model through coaching and mentoring, to develop and enhance team performance.

6. Support the process for identifying and co-ordinating Capacity Study requirements to maximise network capacity.

7. Provide Route input to National industry communications and media in connection with disruptive engineering access, including mapping and engineering lookaheads.

8. Identify and resolve root causes of possession related Train Delay attribution through investigation.

9. Promote a proactive continuous improvement culture, sharing knowledge and best practice across the industry., Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We’re constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we’re working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.

We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact Wales&WesternCulturalFusion@networkrail.co.uk or visit the connect page: Wales and Western Cultural Fusion (sharepoint.com). For all other support please contact your HR Business Partner.

· Knowledge of relevant railway geography and network capability

· Knowledge of relevant train services and network capacity

· Able to work under pressure within a continuous planning process

· Able to evaluate complex factors and make decisions to maximise benefit to Network Rail

· Good communication skills and a customer focussed approach

· Influencing skills

At Network Rail, we’re part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us, and you matter to millions. Watch our video to find out more!

The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway and we serve communities and businesses of Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England, and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

· Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.

· A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.

· GWR ticket alliance – Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network.

· Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.

· A range of Pension schemes to choose from

[DEL: · :DEL] Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, hybrid working, flexible working, flexible leave, and enhanced family friendly support[DEL: :DEL]

· 5 days paid volunteering leave.

· 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community., Salary: This role is a Band 4C Role– £43,588- £49,037 per annum.