Part-Time Microsoft Project Planner (Railway Engineering – M&E & Telecoms)

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Project Planner to join our rail engineering team, supporting Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) and Telecommunications workstreams.

Using Microsoft Project, you’ll develop, maintain, and report on project schedules, ensuring alignment with Network Rail standards and helping deliver safe, efficient, and well-coordinated projects.

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Key Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain detailed project schedules in Microsoft Project.

• Capture scope, WBS, dependencies, and critical path activities.

• Integrate schedules across design, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning.

• Liaise with engineers, construction managers, and subcontractors to track progress.

• Identify risks, slippage, and resource constraints, proposing mitigation plans.

• Prepare schedule updates, dashboards, and client-facing progress reports.

• Support cost forecasting, EVM, and change management with commercial teams.

• Attend planning and project meetings, advising on schedule performance.

• Contribute to project close-out and continuous improvement activities.

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Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Proven planning/scheduling experience within railway engineering, M&E, or telecoms projects.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Project (MSP).

• Knowledge of Network Rail GRIP/PACE processes and standards.

• Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams under possession/access constraints.

• Understanding of NEC contract planning and reporting requirements.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills.

• Competent in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Primavera P6 or similar tools.

• Knowledge of rail H&S regulations (CDM, Safe System of Work).

• Professional qualifications (APM, PMI, or planning certifications).

• PTS (Personal Track Safety) certification.

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Working Pattern & Benefits

• Part-time: typically 2–3 days per week or flexible hours based on project needs.

• Hybrid working – mix of Cardiff office, remote work, and site visits.

• Competitive day rate (contract) or pro-rata salary + benefits (permanent).

• Involvement in high-profile UK rail projects, helping modernise M&E and telecoms infrastructure.