Senior/ Principal Rail Operations Consultant (Railsys)

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… Our Rail Operational Planning team within our Rail Advisory business is seeking professionals experienced in rail operational planning and timetabling using RailSys software to support the continued growth of our services. In this role, you will work alongside rail operational consultants, engineers and clients to develop capacity studies, infrastructure feasibility assessments and timetables that demonstrate how the rail system can be reliably operated. You will be part of a group that is a trusted advisory and delivery partner to transport businesses and governments both in the UK and overseas. We have a strong track record of providing a wide portfolio of rail advice to our clients and pride ourselves on our forward thinking and record of successful project delivery.

Our Rail Operational Planning team helps our clients solve the most complex rail transportation problems. Whether for a new or existing railway, public or private sector, passenger or freight services, we use strategic and critical thinking together with understanding of how a railway system can be operated to deliver the outcomes of moving people and goods to deliver social, economic, and environmental value. You will support this through providing hands‑on consulting to help us solve these complex problems.

A typical week for our Senior/Principal Rail Operations Consultants includes:

• Working collaboratively as part of a team to develop innovative solutions to complex rail problems
• Scoping out project modelling requirements and undertaking data analysis/preparation
• Developing or amending rail operations models in accordance with our Quality Assurance processes to deliver project outcomes to time and budget
• Producing clearly written, concise and professional quality reports and proposals to our clients.
• Sharing lessons learned and knowledge with the team, engaging in development opportunities across projects, team meetings and through industry engagements
• Actively upholding our guiding principles, promoting inclusivity and diversity, health and safety.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Proficiency in RailSys modelling software including detailed knowledge of software capabilities and limitations, technicalities of all modules (infrastructure, timetable, evaluation), production of train planning rules, all aspects of performance modelling from data input to interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of RailSys Standards for UK Rail modelling.
• The ability to undertake analysis independently to demonstrate the impact of a proposed infrastructure/timetable change.
• An ability to establish, build, sustain and share strong, professional relationships with relevant groups both inside and outside the organisation.
• An ability to reason logically and apply a systematic process to finding solutions, proactive in responding to problems, able to apply sound logic in situations of ambiguity and problem‑solving methodologies across a range of circumstances.
• A desire to constantly improve, motivate and encourage others, actively championing sharing knowledge, ideas, and intelligence.
• A forward‑thinking mindset, capable of visualising and planning for the longer term.
• Strong presentation skills, influential and persuasive internally and externally, encouraging open dialogue and feedback.
• Experience in delivering business cases, infrastructure feasibility assessments, capacity studies and operational concept reports.
• Capability in an alternative rail modelling software, such as OpenTrack.
• Proficiency in ATTUne software, or similar train planning tools such as TPS or VoyagerPlan.
• Experience in delivering timetables and rolling stock diagrams.
• Knowledge of the UK rail sector, operational planning principles and the Network Code.
• Experience in train crew diagramming.

What’s in it for you?

• Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.
• We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and well-being through our Thrive programme.
• Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most.
• We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need.
• Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
• We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.