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.