Head of Planning - Rail

Job Opportunity: Head of Rail Planning

Location: Nationwide (Flexible)

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for rail planning and a track record of driving operational excellence? Join us as our Head of Rail Planning, where you will shape the future of planning processes, mentor a talented team, and ensure projects are delivered efficiently and safely.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners across specialised planning areas.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance work environment by breaking down silos.

Planning Oversight

• Direct and integrate planning efforts across the business to ensure alignment with project timelines and budgets.

Compliance Oversight

• Ensure all planning activities comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements, including NR/L2/OHS/019, GERT8000 Rule Book, lifting standards, and Any Line Open (ALO) planning.
• Implement and enforce protocols to maintain compliance, conducting audits and providing training to keep the team up to date.

Strategic Process Management

• Refine and establish processes across planning disciplines to enhance efficiency, project visibility, and collaboration.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with directors, project managers, operations, and commercial teams to optimise delivery and planning processes.

Risk Mitigation

• Develop and implement risk management strategies for possession and isolation planning, ALO working, and lift planning.
• Identify potential project issues and delays, addressing challenges proactively.

Technology Utilisation

• Oversee the integration and utilisation of planning tools and software to support safe work planning, project programming, and team coordination.

Skills and Experience Required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, or a related field (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years in a senior planning role, with experience managing large teams across multiple planning disciplines within the rail sector.

Industry Knowledge

• Comprehensive familiarity with all planning disciplines, including a strong understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Leadership Skills

• Proven ability to lead and scale teams, with a talent for developing individuals to achieve their full potential.

Technical Proficiency

• Advanced knowledge of planning software, procedures, and standards such as those of Network Rail and RSSB.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in data management.

Communication & Collaboration

• Exceptional communication skills, capable of fostering strong relationships across all levels and translating complex planning requirements for diverse teams.

For immediate consideration please send your CV and contact details to (url removed).

Best regards

Richard Wakeland

Search Partner

GTS Transportation

(phone number removed)