Lead Strategic Planner in Ilford, London

Lead Strategic Planner (Rail)
Location: London (Hybrid - approx. 50% office attendance)
Contract: Up to 6 months
Rate: Up to £720 per day (Inside IR35)

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Strategic Planner to support a high-profile rail infrastructure programme, focused on early-stage development and long-term network planning.

This is a strategic role, not a delivery or project planning position. You will act as an intelligent client and integrator, leading complex rail planning studies and coordinating multidisciplinary technical inputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a major strategic rail route study from inception through to completion
• Provide direction across early-stage development and long-term planning activities
• Integrate technical workstreams including demand forecasting, capacity analysis, and rolling stock strategy
• Review, interpret, and challenge technical outputs from specialist teams
• Act as the primary interface between stakeholders, sponsors, and delivery teams
• Manage external consultancy inputs and ensure quality assurance of outputs
• Lead and support a small team of planners
• Represent the organisation across internal and external stakeholder forums

Essential Experience

• Demonstrable experience leading strategic rail planning studies (route, network, or system-level)
• Strong understanding of rail demand, capacity, and rolling stock strategy (at an interpretation and challenge level)
• Proven experience acting as an intelligent client, managing specialist suppliers or consultancies
• Ability to assess and challenge complex technical outputs
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience leading teams or managing external consultants
• Background within rail organisations, consultancies, or transport authorities

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience working within or alongside major UK rail infrastructure organisations
• Knowledge of regional rail networks in the UK
• Experience in early-stage development or long-term strategic planning frameworks

Important Note

This role is strictly focused on strategic rail planning. Candidates with backgrounds primarily in project planning, construction delivery, or programme management without relevant strategic planning experience will not be considered.

Rate Guidance

• Up to £720 per day for full-time engagement
• Higher day rates may be considered for part-time (3 days per week) subject to experience