Freelance Planning Manager

Job Description

Freelance Planning Manager - London - Rail \n\nOverview\n\nWe are seeking a highly experienced Planning Manager to join a major rail infrastructure programme based in London. This freelance opportunity sits outside IR35 and offers a competitive daily rate of £700. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in rail infrastructure planning, a solid command of Primavera P6, and a proven track record of working within large-scale, multidisciplinary rail projects.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\n* * Lead the planning function across one or more major rail infrastructure projects\n* * Develop, maintain, and optimise project schedules using Primavera P6\n* * Integrate schedules across multidisciplinary teams, including civils, track, signalling, and M&E\n* * Identify and analyse schedule risks, critical paths, and float to provide mitigation strategies\n* * Support project controls with cost and resource loading where required\n* * Liaise with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment on planning activities\n* * Produce high-quality reports and dashboards for client and internal stakeholders\n* * Provide planning expertise during project reviews, audits, and governance forums\n* * Contribute to continuous improvement of planning standards and tools within the programme\n\nRequirements\n\n* * Proven experience as a Planning Manager within the rail industry, ideally on major UK infrastructure projects (e.g.

HS2, Crossrail, Network Rail frameworks)\n* * Strong proficiency in Primavera P6 and planning software/tools\n* * Comprehensive understanding of project lifecycle stages in rail and infrastructure\n* * Experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and earned value management principles\n* * Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills\n* * Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure, delivery-focused environment\n* * Relevant qualifications in engineering, project management, or planning (e.g. APM, PMI, Planning Academy)\n* * Must be eligible to work in the UK\nDesirable\n* * Knowledge of digital planning tools (e.g. Power BI, TILOS)\n* * Understanding of railway possession planning and integration with operational teams\n* * Chartered or Incorporated status with a relevant professional body (e.g.

APM, ICE, CIOB)\n\nIf interested in further details please contact John Baker or Katherine Oxlade\n\n--- Fusion People are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of , , , belief, , sexuality or . We operate as an employment agency and employment business. You'll find a wide selection of vacancies on our website