At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic rail planning studies and manage a small team of planners.
- Company: Dynamic rail planning firm in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible 3-day work week and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail transport in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic rail planning and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role Overview
Lead Strategic Planner required for a minimum 6-month contract in London. 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
Additional Information
- 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. It isn't necessarily about being an expert in these areas - but the candidate must be able to determine what 'good' (or 'bad') looks like and provide leadership/clarity
- Knowledge of our customers especially train operators, Mayoral Combined Authorities and Sub-national transport bodies in Anglia/East Midlands
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. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
As a Lead Strategic Rail Planner in London, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises strategic development and innovation within the rail sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities to lead high-profile projects while engaging with diverse stakeholders. With a flexible working arrangement and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide an enriching environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in rail planning.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Rail Planner. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups related to rail planning. It's a great way to connect with potential employers and show off your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of rail demand forecasting and capacity analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've led strategic studies in the past and how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Rail Planner. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Strategic Rail Planner role. Highlight your experience in strategic rail planning and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match 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, and 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 United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨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. Be ready to discuss how you've led similar studies in the past and what challenges you faced.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong communication skills, so think of examples where you've successfully managed stakeholders. Prepare to explain how you’ve acted as an intelligent client and how you’ve liaised with both internal and external teams.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
While you won’t be producing detailed modelling, you need to interpret and challenge technical outputs. Familiarise yourself with what constitutes good versus poor technical work, and be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated these situations before.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a small team, think about your leadership style and experiences. Be prepared to share specific instances where you’ve guided a team through complex projects, especially in the context of rail planning or consultancy work.
