North Works Controller- Rail Division

We are looking for a North Zone Works Controller to support the delivery of vegetation works across the North Zone, acting as the key link between site-based operatives and the North Zone Manager.

This role is responsible for translating programme requirements into daily work activities, ensuring that all works are effectively planned, resourced, and delivered in line with operational priorities. You will manage workforce availability across the zone, coordinating labour, training, and leave to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Working closely with operational teams, recruitment, and training functions, you will ensure that all works are allocated to competent resources and that the zone maintains continuity in both planned and reactive delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and allocate works in line with agreed programmes and operational priorities.
• Act as the primary interface between site operatives and the North Zone Manager.
• Manage day-to-day workforce deployment to maximise utilisation and productivity.
• Coordinate annual leave, sickness, and training to maintain effective staffing levels.
• Monitor attendance, availability, and performance of operatives within the zone.
• Ensure all works are resourced with suitably qualified and competent personnel.
• Liaise with recruitment, training, and agency providers to address labour requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of workforce allocation, competencies, and availability.
• Respond to short-term programme changes, including reactive and emergency works.
• Provide regular updates to the North Zone Manager on resourcing, risks, and performance.
• Support the delivery of works in line with safety, quality, and performance standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning efficiency and workforce utilisation.
  

Skills and Experience Required:

• Experience in workforce planning, coordination, or operational delivery within rail, vegetation, or infrastructure environments.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Clear and confident communication skills.
• Good understanding of competence requirements (Sentinel / PTS environment desirable).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and workforce or planning systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to changing operational demands.
  

• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Calm and effective under pressure.
• Team-oriented with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable to operational requirements.

Benefits

• 24 days holiday
• Pension scheme and death-in-service benefit
• Free car parking

• Regular training opportunities, including our in-house City & Guilds qualifications

About the Lanes Group:

Lanes Group plc is a leading nationwide utility services provider with over 3,500 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £500 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under-represented members of the community. 

Strictly no agencies please