Network Rail: Operational Planner

[Outsider 85]

Hi folks,

I have been lurking on this forum for a while but have decided to register to assist my application for the above position.

I have applied for a position as an operational planner with Network Rail. I have researched the position and it looks an interesting role which would suit a methodical, analytical person; here's hoping that I am that person!

I would appreciate if anybody can offer any advice to the following queries:

1. An online assessment will be used for candidates; presumably this tests mathematics, planning ability, comprehension etc? Can anyone reccomend any practice material?

2. If I am offered an interview, is it beneficial to try and visit the NR planning department in Milton Keynes? How would one go about organising this?

3. I had an unsuccessful interview with NR for a signalling position last year; if I am offered an interview for this position, is it based on the 8 non-technical skills again?

4. Lastly, does anybody on this forum work in planning for NR or a TOC? Would you be willing to share your thoughts on the job?

Sorry to bombard you with questions, I am just looking to ensure that my research is as detailed as it can be.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice.

 

[TomBoyd]

1) No, I don't think so. I think it will be the Situation Judgement Tests, they ask you general "how would you deal with this" type questions with multiple choice answers. Answer honestly. No prep possible/necessary.

2) Yes, of course it would be. Try to get in touch with the Hiring Manager, or anyone at the Quadrant. Turn up there if necessary. Ask HR (though they don't give out contact details as policy)

3) Yes, 95% sure it will be. What feedback did you get from your Interview?

4) I work for NR, but I'm not going to comment on my opinion of Ops Planning!

 

[The Planner]

Discussed here recently. Here

Don't just rock up at the Quadrant, unless you have an appointment with anyone I doubt you will get past the reception gate!

 

[TomBoyd]

Discussed here recently. Here

Don't just rock up at the Quadrant, unless you have an appointment with anyone I doubt you will get past the reception gate!

are Operations Planners the same as Train Planners? I assumed Ops Planners were the works planners.

 

[rdeez]

The tests I had to complete were a standard Verbal Reasoning and a 'Checking' test, which assessed the ability to find a string of numbers or letters in a list of similar strings within decreasing amounts of time. There's a practice test here, though of course if invited to the tests you get to practice before doing them for real in any case.

I have an interview coming up, so I can't answer much on what's involved there yet. Haven't been to Milton Keynes in a long time though, so it will be nice to have a look around afterwards!

 

[CaptainHaddock]

are Operations Planners the same as Train Planners? I assumed Ops Planners were the works planners.

There's different types of planning, but ops planning and train planning is effectively the same.

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Careers/operational-planner/

I used to do it myself but was unwilling to relocate to Milton Keynes so left 3 years ago. It's a very good job but can be very demanding at times and you do need a fair bit of industry knowledge.

 

[The Planner]

Leeds or Brum?

 

[Outsider 85]

Thanks for all your replies folks.

TomBoyd,

The main feedback I got was to be more concise and to the point with my responses; the interviewers felt I went round the houses a little.

I take it from your previous posts that you are a signaller? Do you mind if I ask why you have such an oppinion? Is this common among other NR staff?

ThePlanner,

Thanks for the link; the position is in MK.

Rdeez,

Thanks for the link; as you say, probably best not to over-burden myself with the practice material as there is nothing certain to say that I will be invited.

CaptainHaddock,

Thanks for your views.

 

[TDF]

I was a planner for just over a year, before becoming a Driver.

It's a great job, but you need to learn on the job very quickly as there is a continual heavy workload! NR opens the door to an industry with endless opportunities, make the most of it!

 

[TomBoyd]

TomBoyd,

The main feedback I got was to be more concise and to the point with my responses; the interviewers felt I went round the houses a little.

I take it from your previous posts that you are a signaller? Do you mind if I ask why you have such an oppinion? Is this common among other NR staff?

One of the watch phrases of the industry is ABC - Accurate, Brief and Clear. Think about that when you're answering a question. It's a tricky balance to strike!

I am a signaller, and my opinion is obviously formed by my job. I think signallers in general feel very put upon by everyone else on the railway! (rightly or wrongly)!

I think TDF has nailed it, it's seen as a temporary job where people get into the company and on the internal jobs list/ build railway experience. It needs to be higher paid.

 

[The Planner]

Since 2010 when it was centralised into MK I would agree, prior to that when it was regional the staff turnover was quite low and you had a lot of very experienced people.

 

[CatfordCat]

Did try to send a PM but couldn't.

Would suggest

a) don't expect the process to be quick

b) don't expect it to be entirely efficient - my understanding is it's not unknown for people to get a 'no thanks' following first interview, then a few weeks later be invited for a second interview

c) do you live within commuting distance of MK? This may pose a difficulty, as (unless procedures have changed) they will be reluctant to agree starting date until you can show you have somewhere to live within commuting distance, but they won't give you anything you can show a potential landlord / letting agent until after you have started there...

Not really sure that a visit in advance will help that much - most of what goes on is people in an office working at computers, so a limited amount to see compared with an operational location.

 

[Outsider 85]

Cat,

Thanks for your input; I have only just registered here and I think I have to make a minimum number of posts before my PM function is enabled?

I had seen from other posts that NR HR do not operate with break neck speed! This doesn't concern me; I am happy to wait.

During my online application, I had to tick a box to confirm that I live within 75 minutes commuting time from the Quadrant; I live 10 minutes walk from Coventry station, so with walking and train I still qualify. I cant help but think that the requirement to be close to MK may disqualify several capable candidates?

 

[The Planner]

It disqualified a lot of good experienced people who already worked in train planning in 2010 but thats another story.....

 

[306024]

I was a planner for just over a year, before becoming a Driver.

It's a great job, but you need to learn on the job very quickly as there is a continual heavy workload! NR opens the door to an industry with endless opportunities, make the most of it!

Therein lies the problem as it isn't a job you can learn quickly, despite the attempts at computer technology to try to cut corners.

It disqualified a lot of good experienced people who already worked in train planning in 2010 but thats another story.....

And those that remained found themselves with a new computer system, many novice staff, and in planning terms the Olympics just around the corner.

 

[trainplan1]

Therein lies the problem as it isn't a job you can learn quickly, despite the attempts at computer technology to try to cut corners.



And those that remained found themselves with a new computer system, many novice staff, and in planning terms the Olympics just around the corner.

Those of us that stayed (I was lucky enough to be living between London and MK) were up against it to put it mildly, some of us coming from haulage/test train/OTM backgrounds switching (being forced) to passenger with that around the corner wasn't very helpful. Introducing a new system while a move was on wasn't a bright idea either...

It disqualified a lot of good experienced people who already worked in train planning in 2010 but thats another story......

Didn't stop them amending that policy somewhat when they saw what problems a lack of experience caused...could go into a whole rant about the move there but like you that's another story!