Job Title
ALO Planner - Rail Infrastructure / Possessions & Access Planning
Department
Access Planning / Possessions & Isolation / Works Delivery
Location
London
Reporting to
Access Planning Manager / Possessions Planner / Delivery Manager
Role Purpose
To plan, coordinate and manage the safe delivery of works in open-line environments (Adjacent Line Opening - ALO) by developing robust plans, scheduling possessions/access, assessing risks and liaising with stakeholders to ensure works are delivered safely, on time and in full compliance with rail industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain and monitor the ALO plan and methodology for works adjacent to open railway lines, including identifying fouling points, clearances, and safe working limits.
- Coordinate with colleagues in access/planning, possessions, contractors, on-track plant (OTP/OTM) providers and the works delivery team to ensure the correct resources, possessions and asset access are in place.
- Create and issue method statements, lift plans, safe work packs and other documentation required to support safe working adjacent to live lines.
- Manage the submission and approval process for possessions, isolations, safe access and step-down controls; ensure timing, resource and risk profiles align with programme requirements.
- Update and maintain schedules, weekly/monthly progress reports, resource loading, and variations to programme - ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed of changes.
- Monitor worksite performance, ensure compliance with rail safety rules (RIR 019/NR/L2/OHS etc.), including checks, audits and liaison with safety specialists.
- Provide technical advice on adjacent line working, clearances, fouling points, plant-loading and safe working envelopes.
- Collaborate with the signalling / power / civils interface teams to understand design constraints, site access, plant logistics and interfaces with live operations.
- Facilitate stakeholder communications (operations, network control, contractors, clients) to align programme, access windows and safe delivery.
- Support risk identification and mitigation for access/possession activities with adjacent line working, escalate issues to senior management as necessary.
- Ensure all documentation is retained, records maintained and that lessons learned are captured for continuous improvement.
Person Specification - Skills & Experience
Essential
- Current ALO competency (e.g., Sentinel ALO) or proven ability/planning to achieve it.
- Experience in rail infrastructure or construction environment, preferably with adjacent line opening, possessions, track works, signalling or power delivery.
- Strong knowledge of rail safety procedures, safe working adjacent to open lines and relevant standards/regulations.
- Excellent planning, organisational and scheduling skills; capable of handling multiple interfaces and tracking changes.
- Good communication and stakeholder management skills - able to influence and collaborate with operational, client and contractor teams.
- Proficient with common office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and planning tools.
Desirable
- Experience of on-track plant (OTP/OTM) logistics and lift planning.
- Experience with work packaging, method statements, safe work packs and formal submission processes to rail clients.
- Familiarity with network rules, track possessions planning and rail access governance.
- A planning or scheduling qualification or chartered planner status.
- Ability to travel to site as required and flexible working across access windows/weekends if needed.
Key Interactions
- Access / Possession Planner
- Delivery/Project Managers
- Contractors and subcontractors
- On-track plant providers
- Network Rail / Infrastructure Manager / Client representative
- Safety and Compliance teams
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.