Senior Consultant (Rail Delivery) in Milton Keynes

Senior Consultant (Rail Delivery)

Department: Transport

Location: London and Milton Keynes

Compensation: £51,000 – £60,000 / year

Salary Range: £51,500 – £62,000

Contract Type: Fixed Term (until February 2027), Part Time

Working Hours: 24 hrs per week

Band: 3.1

Reports to: Head of Rail Delivery

Internal Job Code: RC284F

Application Deadline: 12 January 2026

Closing Date: 9 am on 12 January 2026

The Role

Based within the Rail Directorate of Connected Places Catapult, this role is for someone with a strong background in design thinking, human‑centred design, qualitative research or a related field. You will play a key part in understanding requirements and opportunities for innovation, working as part of a matrix team to deliver innovation within the UK transport sector, primarily rail.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct robust qualitative research and deliver research outcomes to stakeholders.
• Work with SMEs to assess and understand their value propositions, market readiness and trial plans from a human‑centred perspective.
• Provide human‑centred expertise alongside commercial/business and technology professionals to progress innovation.
• Design and facilitate workshops to help stakeholders assess and progress innovation‑related situations.
• Meet revenue and utilisation targets.
• Spot opportunities, contribute to bids and proposals, and manage CRM updates.
• Scope and lead streams of work, shape planning and budgeting, and manage the PMO and commercial control.
• Provide excellence in delivery, thought leadership, and maintain professional development.
• Ensure equity, inclusivity and diversity underpin all work activities.
• Perform any other reasonable duties to support strategic outcomes and business operations.

Required Competencies

• Spark creative thinking across all tasks.
• Apply systems thinking to problem‑solving.
• Create effective networks.
• Use personal influence to progress beyond challenges and blockers.
• Voice the customer in all activities.
• Effectively manage communication, lead meetings, and contribute to publications and events.
• Coordinate plans across activities.
• Role model agility and adaptation.
• Champion and promote inclusion and sustainability.

Benefits

• 9‑day fortnight for everyone – every other Friday.
• 23.5 holiday entitlement for all, with pro‑rata for part‑time employees and Christmas shutdown for additional days off.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro‑rata for part‑time).
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support).
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Cash Health Plan – reimbursement for essential and everyday healthcare expenses.
• Payroll Giving scheme – charitable contributions from pre‑tax income.
• Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers.
• Mortgage Advice benefit – free expert advice and support for mortgage acquisition.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales

Industries

Research