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- Tasks: Drive strategic growth in the UK rail sector and develop actionable plans.
- Company: VolkerRail Ltd, a leader in the rail industry focused on sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical care, enhanced leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to ethical growth and long-term value.
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Benefits
- 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 employer: VolkerWessels
Contact Detail:
VolkerWessels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Development Director
✨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 where a conversation might lead!
✨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 to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding VolkerRail’s values and strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their People-Planet-Purpose commitments and how you can contribute to their long-term vision.
✨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 and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategy Development Director role. Highlight your experience in strategic growth and your understanding of the UK rail sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for VolkerRail. Share specific examples of how you've driven strategy and growth in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to sustainability.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leadership role, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead teams. Make sure to highlight your executive-level experience and how you’ve successfully managed cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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 the latest 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.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've turned strategic intent into actionable plans in previous roles. Be ready to explain how you would translate VolkerRail's strategic goals into executable tactics that align with their capabilities and resources.
✨Build Relationships on Paper
Since this role involves maintaining senior stakeholder relationships, come prepared with a list of potential partnerships or collaborations you envision for VolkerRail. Highlight your experience in building these relationships and how they can benefit the company.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Ethics
VolkerRail values sustainable and responsible growth. Be sure to discuss how you can champion these principles in your strategic approach. Share any past experiences where you've balanced commercial success with ethical considerations, showcasing your alignment with their People-Planet-Purpose commitments.