Lead Strategic Planner
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | London/ Hybrid |
| Area | London, UK |
| Sector | Programme & Project Management |
| Salary | £720 Per Day |
| Start Date | May 5th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Ashley Price |
| Job Ref | 7447-PSR1JP00101732 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | DBS/DS |
- Description
- The Client:
A government department client is looking for a Lead Strategic Planner to join them on a 6 month contract. This position will be based in London/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
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:
- Rail demand forecasting.
- Capacity analysis.
- Rolling stock strategy.
- Rail demand forecasting.
- Interpret and challenge technical outputs (not produce detailed modelling).
- Act as the primary interface with client sponsors and development teams.
- Manage and assure externally commissioned consultancy work.
- Lead and support a small team of planners.
- Represent the client with internal and external stakeholders as required.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- 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 Rail, TOCs, or rail-focused consultancies.
Highly Desirable:
- Knowledge of the East Midlands and/or Anglia rail network.
- Experience in early-stage development or long-term planning frameworks.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
Disability Confident:
As a member of the disability confident scheme, the Client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- Lead and manage a strategic rail route study end-to-end.
