Head of Strategic Rail Planning

Lead Strategic Rail Planner Client: Network Rail Location: Stratford, London (Hybrid - approx. 50% attendance) Contract Length: Up to 6 months Day Rate: Up to £720 per day (see rate guidance below) IR35 Status: Inside IR35 Security Clearance: BPSS required Deadline for CVs: Friday 8th May (4:00pm) Interview Process: 1-stage (Teams) The Opportunity Network Rail is seeking an experienced Lead Strategic Rail Planner to take ownership of a high-profile mainline route study, supporting early-stage development and long-term strategic rail planning. This is a rail strategic planning role - not delivery or project planning. You will act as the intelligent client, leading and integrating multiple technical disciplines to shape future rail infrastructure decisions. Key Responsibilities ·Lead and deliver a strategic rail route study end-to-end ·Provide direction across early-stage development and long-term planning ·Coordinate and integrate technical workstreams, including: oRail demand forecasting oCapacity analysis oRolling stock strategy ·Interpret and challenge technical outputs (rather than producing detailed modelling) ·Act as the key interface with Network Rail sponsors and development teams ·Manage and assure externally commissioned consultancy work ·Lead and support a small team of planners ·Engage with internal and external stakeholders at a senior level Essential Experience & Skills Applicants must demonstrate: ·Proven experience leading strategic rail planning studies (e.g. route or network studies) ·Strong understanding of rail demand, capacity, and rolling stock (at a review/challenge level) ·Experience acting as an intelligent client, managing specialist suppliers ·Ability to assess and challenge technical outputs effectively ·Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills ·Experience leading teams or managing consultants ·Background within Network Rail, TOCs, or rail consultancies Highly Desirable ·Previous experience working within or closely with Network Rail ·Knowledge of the Anglia and/or East Midlands rail network ·Experience in early-stage development or long-term planning frameworks What This Role Is NOT This role will not suit candidates with backgrounds primarily in: ·Project planning (Primavera / MS Project) ·Programme or delivery management ·Construction or delivery-focused rail roles ·Generic strategy roles without rail systems planning experience Ideal Backgrounds Candidates are likely to come from: ·Rail strategy or systems planning roles ·Rail consultancies (e.g. Atkins, Arup, Jacobs, AECOM, SYSTRA, Steer) ·Train Operating Companies (strategic planning teams) ·Network Rail route or strategic planning functions Rate Guidance (Important) ·Target rate: Up to £720 per day ·Exceptional candidates may be considered at £900-£1,000 per day, but only if working max 3 days per week ·Full-time candidates must align with the rate card (no exceptions) Additional Information This client participates in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) (Disability Confident Scheme / Armed Forces Covenant). Please highlight eligible candidates on submission