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 .

Best regards

Richard Wakeland

Search Partner

GTS Transportation