Strategy Development Director in Doncaster

Strategy Development Director in Doncaster

Doncaster Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
VolkerFitzpatrick Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape VolkerRail’s strategic growth in the UK rail sector.
  • Company: Join VolkerRail, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical care, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable growth in the rail industry.
  • Qualifications: Degree-qualified with executive-level experience in rail or transport infrastructure.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

VolkerRail Ltd is seeking to appoint a Strategy Development Director to shape and drive the company’s strategic growth across the UK rail sector. This senior leadership role will focus on identifying, developing and delivering growth opportunities across the market, working closely with public sector clients including Network Rail, Local Authorities and Transport Executives.

The role will lead the development, ownership and ongoing maintenance of a clear strategic growth framework for VolkerRail across UK rail markets, translating strategy into robust, actionable plans that directly support work winning and long‑term market positioning. The post holder will operate at both strategic and operational levels, ensuring that strategy translates into executable plans, aligned to VolkerRail’s capabilities, resources and commercial objectives.

In addition to delivering commercial growth, the Strategy Development Director will ensure that VolkerRail’s strategies reflect its People–Planet–Purpose commitments, creating long‑term value for clients, employees, communities and the environment. The role will champion responsible growth, ensuring that strategic decisions are ethically sound, environmentally conscious and socially beneficial, while reinforcing VolkerRail’s core values of Integrity, Passion, Innovation, Collaboration and Winning.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Own and drive VolkerRail’s UK growth strategy across the markets, shaping long‑term market leadership.
  • Analyse rail market trends, funding cycles and procurement models to inform strategic decision‑making and investment priorities.
  • Identify and prioritise target markets, routes, clients and frameworks aligned to VolkerRail’s long‑term ambitions.
  • Work closely with Business Development, Bidding, Estimating and Operational teams to shape opportunity pipelines.
  • Develop and lead a Network Rail strategy, aligned to route structures, regional priorities and national investment programmes.
  • Translate strategy into delivery, producing clear tactical plans, ownership, timescales and capability requirements.
  • Convert strategy into secured work, supporting opportunity pipelines, major bids and compelling value propositions.
  • Build and maintain senior stakeholder relationships with Network Rail, transport authorities, industry partners and suppliers.
  • Champion sustainable, ethical and responsible growth, balancing commercial success with people, planet and long‑term value.
  • Act as a senior leader and role model, embedding strategy through governance, business planning and performance management.

About you:

  • Degree‑qualified with chartered status (engineering or commercial) and a senior professional profile within the UK rail or transport infrastructure sector.
  • Proven executive‑level experience leading strategy, market growth or commercial development in a complex rail environment.
  • Strong understanding of Network Rail, including route structures, investment controls and procurement routes, gained through direct engagement.
  • Credible experience operating within devolved and client‑led transport environments, including Local Authorities, Passenger Transport Executives and/or light rail system owners.
  • A strong track record of turning strategic intent into secured work, shaping market entry, pipelines, major bids or frameworks.
  • Highly commercially astute and influential, with the presence to operate at board and executive level and balance ambition with long‑term value, risk and responsibility.

Why work with us?

VolkerRail is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerRail are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
  • Private medical care
  • Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
  • Training and development opportunities‑comprehensive skills‑based training
  • Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
  • Employee Assistance programme
  • Mental health, physical health, and financial support
  • 24/7 Virtual GP service

Strategy Development Director in Doncaster employer: VolkerFitzpatrick Limited

VolkerRail Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration within the UK rail sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits, and a focus on sustainable practices, VolkerRail empowers its team to drive meaningful change while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values integrity and purpose in every project.
VolkerFitzpatrick Limited

Contact Detail:

VolkerFitzpatrick Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategy Development Director in Doncaster

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Strategy Development Director role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past successes in strategy development and market growth. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value to VolkerRail.

✨Tip Number 3

Research, research, research! Understand VolkerRail’s current strategies and challenges in the UK rail sector. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their growth.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the VolkerRail team and contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Development Director in Doncaster

Strategic Development
Market Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Acumen
Project Management
Ethical Decision-Making
Leadership
Business Development
Bid Management
Understanding of Network Rail
Transport Infrastructure Knowledge
Relationship Building
Sustainable Growth Strategies
Operational Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Strategy Development Director role. Highlight your understanding of the UK rail sector and how your background fits into VolkerRail's vision.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically by providing examples of how you've successfully developed and implemented growth strategies in previous roles. This will show us that you can translate high-level strategy into actionable plans.

Emphasise Collaboration: Since this role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders, make sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you've worked with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, as this aligns with our core value of collaboration.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you get the best chance to showcase your fit for the role!

How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerFitzpatrick Limited

✨Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the UK rail sector. Understand current trends, funding cycles, and procurement models. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive VolkerRail’s growth strategy effectively.

✨Align with Values

Familiarise yourself with VolkerRail’s core values: Integrity, Passion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Winning. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences reflect these values, especially in terms of ethical decision-making and sustainable growth.

✨Prepare Actionable Plans

Think about how you would translate strategic intent into actionable plans. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you successfully turned strategy into secured work or major bids. This will showcase your ability to deliver results aligned with the company’s objectives.

✨Build Relationships

Highlight your experience in building senior stakeholder relationships, particularly with entities like Network Rail and Local Authorities. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with these stakeholders to achieve strategic goals.

Strategy Development Director in Doncaster
VolkerFitzpatrick Limited
Location: Doncaster

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