Planning Support

New Job Opportunity - Access Planning Support - 6 Month Contract to Permanent Staff - South Mimms or Dartford

Our Client has a requirement for a Access Planning Support, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Dartford or South Mimms.

ROLE PROFILE

Contract Length: 6 Months to Permanent
Business Stream / Function: Network Operations
Location: South Mimms or Dartford office-based, with travel to other locations around the M25 as required

Training required: 8 weeks training course in South Mimms office.

Hybrid: After training, 3 days in the office, 2 days from home

ROLE PURPOSE

The purpose of this role is to provide comprehensive support in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure access requirements are met across the region, resolving conflicts and promoting collaborative site-sharing.

The role leads regional planning efforts, balancing long-term strategic programmes with short-term operational needs to maintain network efficiency. By maintaining accurate records and engaging with authorities and third parties, the post holder ensures compliance with permits, Traffic Orders and departure processes.

They support integrated planning meetings, contribute to smarter, digital-first planning tools and provide regional insights to optimise programmes and minimise disruption to road users.

DIMENSIONS

Financial
• Support compliance and performance assurance by ensuring accurate, validated booking data that underpins reporting to senior leadership, the National Highways client and governance processes.
• Mitigate the risk of performance penalties by maintaining programme certainty, resolving conflicts swiftly and ensuring bookings align with Hub standards.

Organisational
• Build and maintain excellent working relationships to ensure consistent application of access control standards, effective governance and seamless integration with planning and operational processes.

INTERFACES

Internal
• Asset and Project Delivery
• Engineering
• Service Delivery
• Network Operations Planning and Optimisation Teams
• Traffic Management and Diversion Teams

External
• Third-party applicants
• Connect Plus
• National Highways
• Other network operators
• Statutory utility undertakers
• Local authorities and TfL

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure access requirements are met across the region, resolving conflicts and promoting collaborative site-sharing.
• Lead regional planning efforts, balancing long-term strategic programmes with short-term operational needs to maintain network efficiency.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of access schedules, approvals and traffic management allocations.
• Engage with National Highways, local authorities and third-party stakeholders to ensure compliance with permits, Traffic Orders and departure processes.
• Support integrated planning meetings and contribute to the development of smarter, digital-first planning tools and processes.
• Provide regional insights and reporting to inform programme optimisation and minimise disruption to road users.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the business.

PERSONAL QUALITIES & EXPERIENCE

Essential
• IT-qualified with high computer literacy; capable of handling large volumes of data and using complex IT tools to present information clearly.
• Proven experience in governance, compliance and quality assurance processes.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills with excellent interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisational abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, ideally within an operational highways or infrastructure environment.
• Broad understanding of roadspace and scheduling processes for planning works onto the network.
• Proficiency in planning and scheduling systems, with strong document control and audit experience.

Desirable
• HND/HNC or degree-qualified in a technical or engineering-related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with planning methodologies and tools such as Aconex, Business Collaborator, Power BI or similar reporting systems.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial data analysis.
• Understanding of planning systems and methodologies.
• Determined, self-motivated and able to work independently with excellent planning and organisational skills.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Access Planning Support looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.