Project Planner

Role: Project Planner

Location: Derby

Salary: £39,000

Role Summary:
The Project Planner is responsible for supporting the delivery of projects by maintaining accurate plans, data and systems that enable effective decision-making by the Senior Project Manager. The role ensures that project schedules, work orders, performance data and forecasts are accurate, up to date and aligned to operational requirements. The Project Planner provides structured planning, coordination and reporting support to ensure projects are controlled, measurable and delivered in line with agreed targets.

Person Requirements:
● Experience in project planning, scheduling or coordination within an engineering, manufacturing or rail environment
● Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities simultaneously
● High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate and reliable data across plans and systems
● Good understanding of planning principles, scheduling and resource coordination
● Experience using ERP systems and planning tools to manage work orders and track progress
● Numerate and data-driven, with the ability to collate, analyse and present project data clearly
● Strong communication skills, able to work effectively with operations, engineering, procurement and project teams
● Ability to follow structured processes and governance, maintaining consistency and discipline in all planning activities
● Proficient in Microsoft Excel and planning tools, with the ability to manage and interpret data sets
● Proactive and reliable, with the ability to support decision-making through timely and accurate information

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Scheduling:
● Create and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring alignment with operational schedules and priorities
● Update project timelines, milestones and resource requirements based on latest project status and inputs
● Support the scheduling and planning of bogies, vehicles and overhaul activities to ensure efficient workflow

ERP & Work Order Management:
● Create, update and manage work orders within ERP systems in line with project requirements
● Ensure all project-related data within ERP is accurate, current and aligned to project plans
● Track progress of work orders and highlight deviations from plan

Data Management & Reporting:
● Collate project data from multiple sources to support accurate reporting and decision-making
● Prepare and maintain data required for project reviews, including inputs to Estimate at Completion (EAC)
● Ensure all project information is structured, traceable and readily available for review

Performance Tracking:
● Input, monitor and track project KPIs, ensuring data accuracy and consistency
● Highlight trends, risks or deviations in performance to the Senior Project Manager
● Support the preparation of regular project performance reports

Planning Coordination
● Work closely with workshop, field services, engineering and procurement teams to ensure plans are aligned and achievable
● Ensure planning reflects real operational constraints, capacity and priorities
● Support the coordination of activities to maintain flow and avoid delays

Governance & Control
● Operate within defined planning and project governance frameworks
● Ensure all planning and data management activities follow agreed processes and standards
● Maintain disciplined control of planning versions, updates and approvals

Continuous Improvement
● Support improvements in planning processes, tools and data quality
● Identify inefficiencies or gaps in planning and reporting and propose improvements