Rail Operational Planner

Rail Operational Planner (Senior/Principal Consultant) Join to apply for the Rail Operational Planner (Senior/Principal Consultant) role at WSP. Job Description At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. We embrace curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives, giving you opportunities to shape a unique career. Our Rail Client Advisory and Engineering Services group within the Rail business is seeking an experienced Rail Operational Planner to support the continued growth of our services. This role is akin to an Operational Planning Manager, STP/LTP Timetable Manager, Strategic Timetable Manager, or Senior Timetable Manager. You will build on the existing capabilities across operational planning, system capability analysis, modelling and simulation, and be a trusted advisory and delivery partner to transport businesses and governments in the UK and abroad. You will apply your experience to heavy, light, high‑speed passenger or freight rail projects to lead and deliver iTSS assessments, capacity studies, timetables and operational plans that meet client and wider stakeholder requirements. This includes identifying appropriate infrastructure and/or service changes and collaborating with the project team and clients/TOCs/FOCs to determine the optimal solution. You will act in a work‑winning and client relationship managing capacity. You will plan, develop and deliver competitively positioned tender responses, build client relationships to support work‑winning activities, and may take on internal project management roles to drive successful delivery. Core Responsibilities Build and maintain strong collaborative client relationships with infrastructure managers, government and devolved bodies and train/freight operating companies. Lead and deliver projects focused on the planning, operation and performance of the railway. Provide technical leadership and expertise in the area of operational planning. Actively engage in client‑facing roles. Plan, manage, and monitor the quality assurance, checking, and approval of analysis and reports delivered by the team. Produce clearly written, concise, and professional quality reports and proposals to our clients. Develop the pipeline of work through client engagement and work‑winning activities. Qualifications and Experience Proven track record in providing timetabling or Rail Operational Planning with at least five years’ experience, for example as an Operational Planner, STP/LTP Timetable Planner, Strategic Timetable Planner or Senior Timetable Planner. Knowledge of UK rail industry structure with an understanding of what major rail clients need, nationally and internationally, and how to tailor services and build lasting relationships. Ability to apply the Network Code. Ability to establish, build, sustain and share strong, professional relationships with relevant groups inside and outside the organisation, and drive exceeding client expectations. Ability to reason logically and apply systematic processes to finding solutions, be proactive in responding to problems, and apply sound logic in ambiguous situations; a desire to constantly improve, motivate, and encourage others. A forward‑thinking mindset, capable of visualising and planning for the longer term. Active champion of knowledge sharing, ideas, and intelligence; strong presentation skills, influential and persuasive internally and externally, encouraging open dialogue and feedback. Desire to develop and secure opportunities through active business development and work‑winning activities. Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. About WSP We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by a common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. Benefits and Culture Work‑life balanceOur hybrid working policy allows you to work from home two days a week and collaborate in our modern offices across the UK. Inclusivity & BelongingWe welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences and encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work, fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Our employee resource groups promote inclusivity. Health & WellbeingWe provide a Thrive programme, virtual GP services, workplace adjustments, the Gymflex scheme (up to 40% off gym memberships), and a comprehensive menopause support package. Flex Your Time“WSP My Hour” allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, and you can use flexible working arrangements, purchase additional leave, and use bank holiday entitlement flexibly. Your DevelopmentWe invest in development and training through mentoring, chartership, and other supportive learning opportunities. Equal Opportunity Statement Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application. #J-18808-Ljbffr