Not your average role….
With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.
The Project Planner will develop and maintain a Major Project schedule to support the execution of high value and risk projects. The successful candidate will support the Project Controls Manager across all phases of the project lifecycle, from development through execution to closeout, with a primary focus on schedule management. This includes producing high‑quality schedule outputs such as periodic performance reports, Gantt charts, milestone tracking, and critical path analysis, as well as developing and maintaining an integrated major project schedule that brings together multiple suppliers into a logic‑linked and, where required, resource‑loaded programme. The post holder will also produce and maintain summary‑level schedules aligned to the defined schedule hierarchy, suitable for Board and Executive engagement, and ensure schedules are structured and coded in line with the Work Breakdown Structure to enable integration with industry‑standard project control systems.
The Project Planner will provide detailed analysis of schedule impacts arising from risks, opportunities, changes, and supplier performance, recommending appropriate responses to the project team. Responsibilities include defining schedule status methods, ensuring compliance with schedule quality standards, undertaking regular schedule statusing and forecasting, approving supplier schedules in line with contractual requirements, and supporting delay claim assessments and change control documentation. The post holder will also contribute to lessons learned activities from a scheduling perspective and support effective contingency and risk window analysis to enable informed project decision‑making.
What you bring:
Essential:
- Educated to HND level (or equivalent) with proven planning or scheduling experience on large‑scale (£100m+) construction or manufacturing projects
- Proficient in MS Project, with strong capability in MS Excel and PowerPoint
- Demonstrated ability to produce clear, high‑quality reports tailored to a range of audiences
- APM or PMI accreditation, or a clear willingness to work towards professional certification supported by ongoing development
- Effective stakeholder engagement and teamwork skills, with experience working alongside technical specialists and senior leaders
Desirable:
- Experience of building reports with Power BI
- Experience in the introduction of a project controls function to a project team
- Proficiency in Primavera P6
- Previous experience delivering major projects in the UK rail industry
The role works Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week and is based in Atrium Court with hybrid arrangements available (3 days in the office minimum).
Salary range: £52225 - £56625
What we offer you:
ScotRail offer an excellent rewards package including:
- Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme.
- Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption.
- Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary when you join the pension scheme.
- Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan.
Selection Process
Candidates short-listed will be invited to attend a competency-based interview. All external offers are subject to passing our pre-employment checks which include a criminal record check, medical and referencing.
Equal Opportunities
ScotRail is seven times accredited as a Top Employer and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse background.
