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