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- Tasks: Lead strategic growth initiatives in the UK rail sector and develop actionable plans.
- Company: Join VolkerRail Ltd, a leader in the rail industry with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical care, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail transport while making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-qualified with executive-level experience in rail or transport infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.
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.
- 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.
- Competitive salary
- 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: VolkerWessels
Contact Detail:
VolkerWessels 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, especially those in the rail sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand that highlights your experience in strategy development and market growth. Share insights on social media or write articles about trends in the rail industry. This will position you as a thought leader and attract potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research VolkerRail and understand their strategic goals, especially around sustainability and community impact. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Keep an eye on our listings and don’t hesitate to apply directly. Tailor your application to highlight your strategic vision and experience in the rail sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Development Director in Doncaster
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. Provide examples of how you've previously identified growth opportunities and translated strategies into actionable plans. This will show us you can operate at both strategic and operational levels.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: Since building relationships is key for this role, make sure to mention any experience you have in engaging with senior stakeholders, especially within the transport sector. We want to see how you've successfully navigated complex environments and fostered collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at VolkerRail!
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
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 Their Values
VolkerRail is committed to People-Planet-Purpose. Make sure you can discuss how your strategic vision aligns with these values. Prepare examples of how you've championed sustainable and ethical growth in your previous roles to show you're a perfect fit.
✨Prepare Tactical Plans
Be ready to discuss how you would translate strategy into actionable plans. Think about specific examples from your past where you successfully turned strategic intent into secured work. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver results and align with their operational needs.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves maintaining senior stakeholder relationships, prepare to talk about your experience in this area. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to engage with clients like Network Rail and local authorities, highlighting how you’ve built trust and collaboration in the past.