At a Glance
- 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.
Planner Team Lead (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 Planner Team Lead (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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities.
✨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 leading strategic rail planning studies. Share specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing complex projects.
✨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 and how you can bring that insight to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner Team Lead (Permanent) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in strategic rail planning. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities and essential experience outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their understanding of rail demand and capacity strategies.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small team, make sure to showcase your leadership experience. We want to know how you've successfully managed teams or external consultants in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in strategic rail planning.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Resource Managers
✨Know Your Strategic Rail Planning
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic rail planning. Understand the nuances of demand forecasting, capacity analysis, and rolling stock strategy. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also challenge and interpret technical outputs effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team of planners, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or external consultants, and how you ensured quality assurance in their outputs. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and support others in a strategic context.
✨Engage Stakeholders Like a Pro
Stakeholder engagement is key in this role. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, sponsors, and delivery teams. Highlight specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in project outcomes, as this will illustrate your ability to act as an intelligent client.
✨Research the Company and Its Projects
Before the interview, take some time to research the company and its ongoing rail infrastructure projects. Understanding their strategic goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask insightful questions that reflect your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.