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- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and coordinate multidisciplinary technical inputs.
- Company: Dynamic rail infrastructure organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and shape the future of rail transport.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of rail infrastructure in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic rail planning and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 57600 - 72000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Strategic Planner to support a high-profile rail infrastructure programme, focused on early-stage development and long-term network planning. This is a strategic role, not a delivery or project planning position. You will act as an intelligent client and integrator, leading complex rail planning studies and coordinating multidisciplinary technical inputs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a major strategic rail route study from inception through to completion
- Provide direction across early-stage development and long-term planning activities
- Integrate technical workstreams including demand forecasting, capacity analysis, and rolling stock strategy
- Review, interpret, and challenge technical outputs from specialist teams
- Act as the primary interface between stakeholders, sponsors, and delivery teams
- Manage external consultancy inputs and ensure quality assurance of outputs
- Lead and support a small team of planners
- Represent the organisation across internal and external stakeholder forums
Essential Experience
- Demonstrable experience leading strategic rail planning studies (route, network, or system-level)
- Strong understanding of rail demand, capacity, and rolling stock strategy (at an interpretation and challenge level)
- Proven experience acting as an intelligent client, managing specialist suppliers or consultancies
- Ability to assess and challenge complex technical outputs
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience leading teams or managing external consultants
- Background within rail organisations, consultancies, or transport authorities
Highly Desirable
- Previous experience working within or alongside major UK rail infrastructure organisations
- Knowledge of regional rail networks in the UK
- Experience in early-stage development or long-term strategic planning frameworks
Important Note
This role is strictly focused on strategic rail planning. Candidates with backgrounds primarily in project planning, construction delivery, or programme management without relevant strategic planning experience will not be considered.
Rate Guidance
Up to £720 per day for full-time engagement. Higher day rates may be considered for part-time (3 days per week) subject to experience.
Lead Planner (Permanent) in City of London employer: Advanced Resource Managers
Contact Detail:
Advanced Resource Managers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner (Permanent) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rail industry. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Lead Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in strategic rail planning. Share specific examples of how you've led studies and integrated technical inputs – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of rail demand, capacity, and rolling stock strategy. Be ready to discuss how you've challenged technical outputs in the past. This will show you're not just a planner, but an intelligent client who can drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Don’t miss out on your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner (Permanent) in City of London
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 your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles. We love seeing strong communication skills in action!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As a Lead Planner, you’ll be guiding a small team. Share your leadership experiences and how you’ve supported or developed others in your past roles. We’re keen to know how you can lead us to success!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Resource Managers
✨Know Your Strategic Planning Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic rail planning. Be ready to discuss your experience leading major studies and how you've integrated technical workstreams like demand forecasting and capacity analysis. This will show that you understand the role's requirements and can hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Since this role involves acting as the primary interface between stakeholders and delivery teams, think about past experiences where you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships. Prepare examples that highlight your communication skills and ability to engage with various parties effectively.
✨Challenge Technical Outputs Confidently
You’ll need to review and challenge technical outputs from specialist teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've done this in the past. Think of specific instances where you assessed complex data and provided valuable insights or recommendations. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic mindset.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Lead Planner, you'll be managing a small team and external consultants. Be ready to share your leadership style and any relevant experiences where you've led teams or projects. Highlight how you ensure quality assurance of outputs and support your team in achieving their goals.