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- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and manage a small team of planners.
- Company: Dynamic rail-focused consultancy with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Flexible 3-day work week and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and shape long-term transport strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic rail planning and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead Strategic Planner required for a minimum 6-month contract – London.
Role Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Strategic Planner to lead a high profile mainline route study as part of its early‑stage development and long‑term strategic planning activity. This is NOT a project planning or delivery role. The role is focused on strategic rail planning, acting as the intelligent client and lead integrator across multiple technical disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a strategic rail route study end‑to‑end
- Provide strategic direction across early‑stage development activity
- Coordinate and integrate technical workstreams, including rail demand forecasting, capacity analysis and rolling stock strategy
- Interpret and challenge technical outputs (not produce detailed modelling)
- Act as the primary interface with sponsors and development teams
- Manage and assure externally commissioned consultancy work
- Lead and support a small team of planners
- Representation with internal and external stakeholders as required
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience leading strategic rail planning studies (e.g., route studies, rail network or systems planning)
- Understanding of rail demand, capacity and rolling stock at an interpretation / challenge level
- Experience acting as an intelligent client managing specialist suppliers
- Ability to identify good vs poor technical outputs
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience leading small teams or managing consultants
- Background within Network Rail, TOCs, or rail‑focused consultancies
Additional Requirements
- 3 days working week, and attending our Stratford office at least 2 days per week
- Strong track record of managing / leading high profile strategic planning studies
- Management of a small team
- Act as a point of contact for liaising with internal contacts especially sponsors / Early‑Stage Development
- Attending/ representing internal /external forums on an as‑necessary basis
- Understanding / ability to manage suppliers covering capacity analysis, demand forecasting, strategy development, rolling stock. It isn’t necessarily about being an expert in these areas – but the candidate must be able to determine what good (or bad) looks like and provide leadership / clarity
- Knowledge of our customers especially train operators, Mayor’s Combined Authorities and Sub‑national transport bodies in Anglia / East Midlands
Highly Desirable
- Previous experience working within or closely with Network Rail
- Knowledge of the East Midlands and/or Anglia rail network
- Experience in early‑stage development or long‑term planning frameworks
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Lead Strategic Planner employer: Advance Training & Recruitment Services
Contact Detail:
Advance Training & Recruitment Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups related to rail planning. It's all about making connections and showing your face – you never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their strategic goals and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams or projects in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to lead strategic planning studies and work with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic rail planning. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a small team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in a rail planning context.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Training & Recruitment Services
✨Know Your Strategic Rail Planning
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic rail planning. Understand the key concepts like rail demand forecasting and capacity analysis, as well as how to interpret technical outputs. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you acted as a point of contact or liaised with sponsors. Being able to communicate effectively with various parties is crucial for this role, so highlight your experience in this area.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading a small team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific instances where you guided a team through a project or managed consultants. This will show that you can provide clarity and direction, which is essential for the position.
✨Research the Company and Its Context
Familiarise yourself with the company’s projects, especially those related to the East Midlands and Anglia rail networks. Understanding their current challenges and goals will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their strategic planning efforts.