At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and manage a small team of planners.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy firm focused on innovative rail solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of rail transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic rail planning and strong stakeholder management skills.
Lead Strategic Planner required for a minimum 6-month contract in London.
Role Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Strategic Planner to lead a high profile mainline route study as part of its early-stage development and long-term strategic planning activity. This is NOT a project planning or delivery role. The role is focused on strategic rail planning, acting as the intelligent client and lead integrator across multiple technical disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a strategic rail route study end-to-end
- Provide strategic direction across early-stage development activity
- Coordinate and integrate technical workstreams including:
- Rail demand forecasting
- Capacity analysis
- Rolling stock strategy
- Interpret and challenge technical outputs (not produce detailed modelling)
- Act as the primary interface with sponsors and development teams
- Manage and assure externally commissioned consultancy work
- Lead and support a small team of planners
- Representation with internal and external stakeholders as required
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience leading strategic rail planning studies (e.g. route studies, rail network or systems planning)
- Understanding of rail demand, capacity and rolling stock at an interpretation / challenge level
- Experience acting as an intelligent client managing specialist suppliers
- Ability to identify good vs poor technical outputs
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience leading small teams or managing consultants
- Background within Network Rail, TOCs, or rail-focused consultancies
- 3 days working week, and attending our Stratford office at least 2 days per week
- Strong track record of managing / leading high profile strategic planning studies
- Management of a small team
- Act as a point of contact for liaising with internal contacts especially sponsors / Early-Stage Development
- Attending/ representing internal /external forums on an ‘as-necessary’ basis
- Understanding / ability to manage suppliers covering capacity analysis, demand forecasting, strategy development, rolling stock
Highly Desirable
- Previous experience working within or closely with Network Rail
- Knowledge of the East Midlands and/or Anglia rail network
- Experience in early-stage development or long-term planning frameworks
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Lead Strategic Planner employer: Randstad Cpe London
As a Lead Strategic Planner with our consultancy in London, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive daily rates, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth within the rail sector, all while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of transport. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your expertise and fosters an inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Planner
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Lead Strategic Planner role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in leading strategic rail planning studies. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve managed teams or projects. Be confident and let your knowledge shine!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand the company’s current projects and challenges in the rail sector. We suggest preparing some insightful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute as a Lead Strategic Planner.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we’re always looking for passionate candidates who fit the bill. Let’s get you that contract in London!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Strategic Planner role. Highlight your experience in strategic rail planning and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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. Share specific examples of your experience with rail demand forecasting and stakeholder management. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a small team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed teams or projects in the past and how you can bring that expertise to our team at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Cpe London
✨Know Your Strategic Rail Planning
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic rail planning. Understand the key concepts like rail demand forecasting and capacity analysis. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in guiding others and how you’ve ensured high-quality outputs from your team or consultants.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
This position requires strong stakeholder management skills. Think of instances where you’ve effectively communicated with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex relationships and ensured alignment across different parties.
✨Challenge Technical Outputs
You’ll need to interpret and challenge technical outputs, so come prepared with examples of when you’ve done this before. Show that you can identify good versus poor technical work and provide clarity to your team and stakeholders.
