Freelance Planning Manager - London - Rail

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Planning Manager to join a major rail infrastructure programme based in London. This freelance opportunity sits outside IR35 and offers a competitive daily rate of £700. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in rail infrastructure planning, a solid command of Primavera P6, and a proven track record of working within large-scale, multidisciplinary rail projects.

Key Responsibilities

* * Lead the planning function across one or more major rail infrastructure projects
* * Develop, maintain, and optimise project schedules using Primavera P6
* * Integrate schedules across multidisciplinary teams, including civils, track, signalling, and M&E
* * Identify and analyse schedule risks, critical paths, and float to provide mitigation strategies
* * Support project controls with cost and resource loading where required
* * Liaise with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment on planning activities
* * Produce high-quality reports and dashboards for client and internal stakeholders
* * Provide planning expertise during project reviews, audits, and governance forums
* * Contribute to continuous improvement of planning standards and tools within the programme

Requirements

* * Proven experience as a Planning Manager within the rail industry, ideally on major UK infrastructure projects (e.g. HS2, Crossrail, Network Rail frameworks)
* * Strong proficiency in Primavera P6 and planning software/tools
* * Comprehensive understanding of project lifecycle stages in rail and infrastructure
* * Experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and earned value management principles
* * Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
* * Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure, delivery-focused environment
* * Relevant qualifications in engineering, project management, or planning (e.g. APM, PMI, Planning Academy)
* * Must be eligible to work in the UK
Desirable
* * Knowledge of digital planning tools (e.g. Power BI, TILOS)
* * Understanding of railway possession planning and integration with operational teams
* * Chartered or Incorporated status with a relevant professional body (e.g. APM, ICE, CIOB)

If interested in further details please contact John Baker or Katherine Oxlade

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