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- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and coordinate multidisciplinary technical inputs.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the rail infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunity to influence major projects.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail infrastructure in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic rail planning and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
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 Strategic Planner in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in rail infrastructure. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for strategic rail planning and how your experience aligns with their goals. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in leading strategic rail planning studies. We recommend rehearsing how you can integrate technical workstreams and manage stakeholder relationships. Confidence is key, so let’s nail that delivery!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who take the initiative. Let’s get you that Lead Strategic Planner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Planner in London
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. We love seeing passion for rail infrastructure and strategic planning, so let that enthusiasm come through.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, make sure to mention any relevant experiences. We want to know how you’ve successfully communicated and collaborated with different teams and clients.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
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 specific examples from your past experience where you've led similar studies or challenged technical outputs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in project outcomes, as this role requires strong stakeholder engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a small team of planners, it's crucial to highlight your leadership style and experiences. Share stories that illustrate how you've motivated teams and managed external consultants to achieve strategic goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the role and the organisation's strategic objectives. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.