At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and manage a small team of planners.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy focused on innovative rail solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunity to shape the future of rail.
- Other info: 3 days working week with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in rail strategy while collaborating with industry experts.
- 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 Rail Planner – Route Studies & Strategy employer: Randstad Cpe London
As a leading consultancy in the rail sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our London office provides a vibrant atmosphere where employees can thrive, with opportunities for professional growth and development through engaging projects and a supportive team culture. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in strategic rail planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Rail Planner – Route Studies & Strategy
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their strategic goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and projects. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to lead strategic planning studies and work with diverse stakeholders.
✨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 Rail Planner – Route Studies & Strategy
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 the key responsibilities 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. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead strategic studies and manage teams effectively. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since stakeholder management is crucial for this role, make sure to highlight your communication skills and any relevant experiences. We want to know how you've successfully liaised with sponsors and development teams 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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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, especially around route studies and capacity analysis. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in leading similar studies and how you interpreted technical outputs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage stakeholders effectively. Think about times when you acted as the primary interface with sponsors or development teams, and be ready to explain how you navigated those relationships.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a small team, come prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific instances where you successfully managed a team or consultants, and how you ensured clarity and direction in your projects.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the rail industry, particularly in the East Midlands and Anglia regions. Being able to discuss these insights will show your genuine interest and understanding of the sector.
