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- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and coordinate multidisciplinary technical inputs.
- Company: Dynamic rail infrastructure organisation in London with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive rate of up to £720 per day and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a high-profile project.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of UK rail infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic rail planning and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 57600 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid – approx. 50% office attendance)
Contract: Up to 6 months
Rate: Up to £720 per day (Inside IR35)
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
Requirements
- 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
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 Strategic Planner employer: Advanced Resource Managers
Contact Detail:
Advanced Resource Managers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your strategic planning knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience leading complex rail studies and how you've integrated technical workstreams in the past. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder engagement skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders and managed external consultancy inputs. This will highlight your ability to act as an intelligent client.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in strategic rail planning. We want to see how you've led studies and managed teams, so don’t hold back on those details!
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. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, make sure to highlight your communication skills. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully interacted with various stakeholders 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Resource Managers
✨Know Your Strategic Rail Planning Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic rail planning, especially around demand forecasting and capacity analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've led similar studies in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the Lead Strategic Planner position, so think about times when you acted as a primary interface between teams and how you managed those relationships.
✨Challenge Technical Outputs Confidently
Be prepared to discuss how you review and challenge technical outputs from specialist teams. Think of specific instances where you’ve had to interpret complex data and how you ensured quality assurance in those situations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a small team of planners, come equipped with examples of your leadership style. Talk about how you've supported your team in the past and how you plan to integrate multidisciplinary inputs effectively.