Lead Strategic Planner

Lead Strategic Planner required for a minimum 6-month contract - London

Role Overview
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:
o Rail demand forecasting
o Capacity analysis
o 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
Suppliers must only submit candidates who clearly meet the following:
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

• 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.