Train Planner

Together, we move what matters 

We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter, cleaner, more resilient freight future. And we have the opportunity to build it.   

Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery, driving trains, engineering, or business support, the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions, easing road congestion, strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work, with real impact. 

Who we are 

Previously operating as Freightliner’s Heavy Haul business, we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026. 

Heavy Haul Rail is the UK’s next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe it’s time to move differently. Congested roads, rising emissions, fragile supply chains. These aren’t just logistical challenges; they’re environmental and economic wake-up calls. We’re here to lead the modal shift, helping businesses transition from road to rail with confidence, clarity, and measurable impact.  

We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial, energy and construction markets.  The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons.  Heavy Haul Rail’s team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week. 

Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies, including the provision of drivers and route conducting services. 

But none of this happens without us, its people. 

The Opportunity

We're looking for a skilled and motivated Train Planner to play a key role in developing and delivering train plans that keep our operations running safely, efficiently and in line with customer requirements.

Working closely with colleagues, customers, Network Rail and industry partners, you'll ensure our services make the best possible use of network capacity while delivering excellent operational performance and customer service.

Armed Forces Covenant

Heavy Haul Rail is proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant signatory. We actively welcome applications from veterans, reservists and service leavers.

Experience gained in military logistics, operations, planning, resource management, transportation, movement control or operational support is highly transferable to this role. If you have a background in coordinating complex operations, managing resources, planning activities or responding to changing priorities, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As a Train Planner, you will:

• Develop and process planning bids with Network Rail, including PDNS submissions and Working Timetable (WTT) applications.
• Create, time and submit timetable amendments to meet changing customer requirements.
• Produce resource plans, including locomotive, wagon, driver and ground staff diagrams.
• Work closely with customers to deliver weekly train plans that meet operational and commercial objectives.
• Negotiate and agree Engineering Access Statements and Train Planning Rules.
• Collaborate with Network Rail and industry stakeholders to improve timetable structures and network capacity.
• Support business growth through timetable design, resource planning and capacity studies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning efficiency and operational performance.
• Provide planning expertise during disruption and emergency situations to help maintain service delivery.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental and industry requirements.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.

You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to demonstrate how your transferrable skills meet the following:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Commercial awareness and a customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence working with internal and external stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to team success.
• High standards of accountability, professionalism and integrity.
• Flexibility, enthusiasm and a drive to deliver results.

What Success Looks Like

You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Put safety at the heart of every decision.
• Take ownership and deliver with energy and determination.
• Build strong relationships based on trust and collaboration.
• Communicate openly and professionally.
• Use initiative to improve processes and solve problems.
• Embrace challenges with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Demonstrate curiosity, resilience and a commitment to excellence.
• Live our values every day.

This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks.

Why Join Us? 

Here, you’re not one small part of a big machine. You’re a key contributor with national significance and real-world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do, connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail, you can expect: 

• Purpose that matters. Your work contributes to a cleaner, more efficient freight industry. 

• Opportunity to shape what’s next. We’re new, agile and ready to do things differently, your ideas help build our future. 

• A team that moves forward together. Collaboration, respect and shared ambition define how we work. 

• A commitment to excellence. We deliver with pride, precision and professionalism. 

• Room to grow. Your development fuels our momentum. 

Our perks and benefits 

Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.  

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:  

• Competitive pay 

• Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period  

• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay 

• Opportunities for ongoing training and development. 

• Access to the company's life assurance scheme  

• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars. 

Apply now 

We know where we’re heading. We know why it matters. Now, it’s time to move, to make it real, together. 

For queries contact careers@heavyhaulrail.co.uk 

Shaping tomorrow. Starting today  

The future we want to build won’t happen on its own, we have to move it forward, together. Heavy Haul Rail has the purpose, the ambition and the opportunity to reshape how Britain moves. Whatever our roles, we are collaborators, creators and custodians of a better future. This journey starts with what we choose to do today, tomorrow and every day after that. 

Our values are: 

• Make Every Mile Matter: We act with intention and responsibility, knowing our work shapes a cleaner, stronger future for the UK. 

• Build Boldly: We use our entrepreneurial spirit to challenge legacy thinking and design better ways forward, for our customers, our industry and each other. 

• We move as one: We collaborate with trust, respect and shared momentum, because progress is a team sport. 

• Deliver with certainty: We stand behind our work. We’re reliable, precise and accountable in everything we do. 

• Fuelling The Future: We invest in our people and our potential, championing learning, curiosity and continuous improvement. with confidence, clarity, and measurable impact.