Trainee Network Planner

1. Job Purpose

The Trainee Network Planner will support the Planning Manager and wider operations team in the planning, coordination and scheduling of road marking, high-friction surfacing, road stud installation and associated highway maintenance works.

This is a development role designed to provide the successful candidate with the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress within operational planning and network coordination. The role will involve learning how to schedule works, coordinate labour and equipment, liaise with operational teams and clients, and maintain accurate planning records.

Working closely with experienced planners, operational managers and supervisors, the Trainee Network Planner will help ensure that work is planned efficiently, resources are used effectively and projects are delivered safely and in accordance with client requirements.

The successful candidate will develop an understanding of highway maintenance operations, traffic management requirements, client programmes and the planning arrangements associated with delivering works on the strategic road network.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Planning and Scheduling

• Assist with the preparation, maintenance and communication of daily, weekly and forward work programmes.
• Support the scheduling of road marking, high-friction surfacing, road stud installation and associated highway maintenance activities.
• Learn to coordinate the allocation of labour, vehicles, plant, equipment and materials to planned works.
• Update planning systems and spreadsheets to reflect changes to work schedules, resource availability and project requirements.
• Assist in identifying scheduling conflicts, resource shortages and potential delays, escalating issues to the Planning Manager where necessary.
• Develop an understanding of working hours, travel times, mobilisation requirements, site access restrictions and traffic management arrangements.
• Help maintain accurate records of planned, ongoing and completed works.

Resource Coordination

• Liaise with operational managers, supervisors and site teams to confirm workforce availability and operational requirements.
• Assist in ensuring the correct vehicles, plant, equipment and materials are available for scheduled activities.
• Support the coordination of resources across the company's operational depots.
• Monitor changes to staff availability, vehicle availability and equipment requirements, reporting any issues that may affect planned works.
• Assist with contingency planning for adverse weather, equipment breakdowns, staff absences and urgent operational requirements.
• Work with procurement and suppliers, where required, to support the timely availability of materials and equipment.

Client and Project Coordination

• Assist with the preparation and updating of work programmes in line with client requirements and agreed delivery dates.
• Liaise with internal teams to obtain information required to plan and schedule upcoming works.
• Support the coordination of planned activities with clients, principal contractors and other relevant stakeholders under the direction of the Planning Manager.
• Help communicate programme changes to relevant personnel and ensure planning information is kept up to date.
• Develop an understanding of contract requirements, project milestones and the sequencing of highway maintenance activities.
• Assist with the preparation of mobilisation plans, resource forecasts and programme updates.

Network and Highway Planning

• Develop an understanding of the planning requirements associated with delivering works on the strategic road network and local authority highways.
• Learn how traffic management arrangements, road space availability, access restrictions and working windows influence operational planning.
• Assist with checking that the necessary planning information and approvals have been identified before works are scheduled.
• Gain knowledge of National Highways requirements, relevant specifications and applicable Sector Schemes.
• Support the coordination of planned works to minimise disruption, avoid unnecessary travel and improve operational efficiency.
• Understand how weather conditions, network restrictions and emergency works can affect planned activities.

Administration, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate planning records, spreadsheets, databases and electronic documentation.
• Assist with producing planning reports, resource schedules and programme updates.
• Develop proficiency in Microsoft Excel, company planning systems and other relevant software.
• Support the monitoring of planned versus completed works and help identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy and resource utilisation.
• Ensure planning information is communicated clearly and promptly to relevant teams.
• Follow company procedures and contribute to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, environmental performance and customer service.

3. Training and Development

The Trainee Network Planner will receive appropriate training, guidance and support from the Planning Manager and experienced operational colleagues.

Development will include:

• Understanding the company's services, operational processes and delivery requirements.
• Learning the principles of workforce, vehicle, plant and equipment scheduling.
• Developing skills in planning systems, Microsoft Excel and operational reporting.
• Gaining knowledge of highway maintenance contracts and the requirements of National Highways and local authority clients.
• Understanding traffic management, road space restrictions and the coordination of highway works.
• Developing communication, organisation, problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Progressively taking responsibility for defined planning activities as competence and experience develop.

4. Essential Requirements

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, or a willingness to develop these skills.
• A methodical and accurate approach to record keeping and administration.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and build positive working relationships.
• A willingness to learn, accept guidance and develop new skills.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to respond positively to changing requirements.
• A genuine interest in operational planning, logistics, highways or construction.

Previous planning experience is not essential, as full training will be provided.

5. Desirable Requirements

• Previous experience in administration, logistics, transport, scheduling, construction or an operational environment.
• An understanding of highways maintenance, roadworks or traffic management.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, scheduling software or resource management systems.
• Knowledge of National Highways, local authority highways or strategic road network operations.
• Experience communicating with customers, suppliers or operational teams.
• A full UK driving licence.

Pay: From £26,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person