Lead Planning Controller
Location: London
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week; initially full-time in office, moving to 3 days in office once settled
About the Company
We are working with a leading UK rail manufacturer and engineering business involved in delivering cutting-edge rolling stock projects across the UK. The company works with both open-access and franchise operators, delivering projects that include fleet procurement, refurbishment, and maintenance. They are heavily involved in multi-million-pound fleets, new train introductions, and have an ambitious pipeline of growth projects.
About the Lead Planning Controller role:
We are seeking a Lead Planning Controller to join the Planning & Delivery team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and coordinating planning activities across major rolling stock projects, ensuring compliance with company processes and standards, and supporting planners with EDM, QRSA, and value analysis activities. This role is client-facing and requires someone process-driven with a strong rolling stock or rail engineering background, who can guide planning teams and maintain schedule integrity across high-value projects.
Key responsibilities for the Lead Planning Controller role:
- Lead and manage planning activities for major rolling stock projects including open-access fleets (First Group & Angel Trains), new Class 80 electric bi-mode trains, and EMR £400M fleet projects.
- Monitor and support planners to ensure adherence to company processes, EDM, QRSA standards, and value analysis procedures.
- Interface with clients and stakeholders to provide updates on planning progress, project risks, and schedule performance.
- Ensure all planning data is accurately maintained and reported using Primavera and other planning tools.
- Conduct process reviews and provide guidance to improve planning effectiveness, schedule accuracy, and project delivery.
- Collaborate with the wider project delivery team to ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
- Support N Value analytics, identifying areas of schedule improvement and risk mitigation.
Essential skills and experience required for the Lead Planning Controller role:
- Strong rolling stock or rail engineering background (experience with signalling is an advantage).
- Proven experience in EDM, QRSA, and N Value analysis.
- Process-driven with a strong understanding of planning standards and governance.
- Experience with Primavera or similar project management/planning software.
- Client-facing experience with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
- Able to guide and support planning teams, ensuring adherence to deadlines and processes.
Desirable skills and experience required for the Lead Planning Controller role:
- Experience with multi-million-pound fleet projects and new train introductions.
- Knowledge of open-access and franchise rail operations.
- Previous experience managing planning teams and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
How to apply for this Lead Planning Controller role:
If you are interested in this Lead Planning Controller position then please apply via this job board.
Apply now for further details and immediate consideration for this Lead Planning Controller role. Navartis are an equality and diversity recruitment agent and employer.
Service advertised by Navartis are that of an Employment Agency/Business