Principal Consultant – Rail Operations and Performance

AtkinsRéalis UK Limited; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid working

Professional development

Flexible benefits

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis UK Limited’s Rail Operations and Performance team is seeking a Principal Consultant to lead complex rail operations projects across timetable planning, capacity assessment and performance modelling.

Based in our UK offices (Derby/ Manchester/ London) with hybrid working options, you will deliver technical leadership and client-focused solutions for infrastructure managers, TOCs and government bodies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience using industry-standard timetable planning software (TPS/Attune) to develop and deliver rail timetables.
• Experience in timetable and capacity analysis to support scheme development.
• Strong rail industry experience within Network Rail, a TOC, FOC, or similar planning environment.
• In-depth knowledge of timetable development processes and railway operational planning principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver rail operations, timetable planning, capacity assessment and performance analysis studies.
• Provide technical advice and operational insights to support infrastructure, enhancement and strategic planning projects.
• Develop and communicate evidence-based recommendations to improve network performance, capacity and passenger outcomes.
• Manage technical work packages, ensuring delivery to programme, quality and budget requirements.
• Build strong client relationships and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Support business development activities through proposal preparation and technical input to bids.

Skills

Timetable planning

Rail operations

Capacity analysis

Performance modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Transport planning degree

Chartered status (or progress)

Tools

TPS

Attune

Job description

Job Description Overview

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head‑on. It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world‑class talent knows no distinctions. We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we're here to support you. Flexible and remote working is a central part of our culture. So, talk to us about what's ideal for you – from reduced weeks to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you're returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.

About the role

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a highly motivated and talented Principal Consultant to join our Rail Operations and Performance team, within our Advisory Practice, based in our offices (Derby/ Manchester/ London). Although hybrid working (i.e. a combination of office‑based and home‑based working) will also be considered. Working across major rail enhancement, infrastructure, operational and strategic planning projects, you will provide technical leadership and consultancy expertise in rail operations, timetable planning, capacity assessment and performance modelling. You will support clients across the rail industry, including infrastructure managers, train operators, government bodies and international railway organisations, helping them develop robust operational solutions that improve network performance, capacity and passenger outcomes. We are particularly keen on attracting individuals with experience of delivering high‑quality rail operational performance simulation and assessment and working knowledge of UK rail industry operational planning practice.

Your role

Looking at complex projects from every angle, you will help our customers to find the best solutions to their rail operations challenges.

• Lead and deliver rail operations, timetable planning, capacity assessment and performance analysis studies.
• Provide technical advice and operational insights to support infrastructure, enhancement and strategic planning projects.
• Develop and communicate evidence‑based recommendations that improve network performance, capacity and passenger outcomes.
• Manage technical work packages, ensuring delivery to programme, quality and budget requirements.
• Build strong client relationships and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Support business development activities through proposal preparation and technical input to bids.

About you

Proven experience using industry‑standard timetable planning software, such as TPS or Attune, to develop and deliver high‑quality railway timetables. Experience in timetable and capacity analysis to support scheme development would be advantageous. Strong rail industry experience gained within Network Rail, a Train Operating Company (TOC), Freight Operating Company (FOC), or a similar train planning environment. In‑depth knowledge of timetable development processes and railway operational planning principles. The ability to take ownership of key workstreams and successfully deliver projects from inception to completion. Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets, identify key insights, and develop practical and evidence‑based recommendations. A client‑focused mindset, capable of tailoring technical outputs and communications for a variety of audiences. Confidence in engaging with a broad range of rail industry stakeholders, including the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, Freight Operators, and other sector partners. Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver high‑quality outputs to agreed timescales and budgets. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of reports, presentations, and client‑facing deliverables. A collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams, combined with the initiative to work independently when required. Enthusiasm, adaptability, and a desire to contribute across a diverse portfolio of projects in a fast‑paced consultancy environment.

Desirable Requirements

A degree in Engineering, Transport Planning, Mathematics or a related discipline. Knowledge of railway performance modelling, train running time analysis and operational simulation techniques. Experience supporting railway enhancement schemes, strategic studies or business case development. Understanding of rolling stock operations, depot planning and operational readiness activities. Experience in bid preparation, commercial management and resource planning. Chartered status, or actively working towards professional accreditation. Experience working on major UK rail programmes and/or international rail projects.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

• Enjoy competitive salaries
• Employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices
• Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise
• Combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. Find out more.

Additional information Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

Worker Type Employee Job Type Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences. Created by the integration of long‑standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world‑class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end‑to‑end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.

News and information

Available at Atkinsrealis or follow us on LinkedIn.