Rail Strategy & Operations Consultant

ARUP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ARUP is seeking candidates passionate about railway strategy and operations. The role involves developing policies, engaging with industry partners, and utilizing software tools to assess impacts on train services. Join a diverse team committed to shaping sustainable travel solutions in the rail industry.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Experience and passion in developing railway strategy, policy, planning.
• Good understanding of railway planning and management.
• Ability to communicate complex problems to technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Developing railway strategy, policy, and planning.
• Communicating complex problems and solutions effectively.
• Engaging with Train Operators and Industry Partners.

Skills

Understanding of rail industry structure and policy

Ability to develop and influence strategy and policy

Experience in operational strategy development

Assessing impacts of timetable changes

Understanding industry performance data

Experience engaging and presenting to Train Operators

Tools

RailSys

Attune

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup is shaping a better world and how you could be part of it!

The Opportunity

Arup is at the forefront of transformative rail projects worldwide, helping shape tomorrow’s sustainable travel. Rail projects require a complex mix of skills and insights—from initial strategy and economics to engineering, people-centered design, operations, and asset management. Success depends on integrating these elements brilliantly. That’s why our technical expertise is always backed by sharp strategic thinking, whether we’re optimizing existing assets and services or designing new railways and stations. We work for a diverse range of UK-based and international public and private sector clients, including Network Rail, DfT, Great British Railways, HS2 Ltd, TOCs / FOCs, and Local Authorities, on various rail-based solutions.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective—where individuality is encouraged to thrive. Our strength comes from respecting, sharing, and connecting diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially meaningful work that benefits Arup, your career, our members, and the communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We seek candidates with experience and passion in developing railway strategy, policy, planning, business cases, demand, and operations. You should be able to confidently communicate complex problems and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences. A good understanding of railway planning and management, along with the inter-relationships between strategies, plans, and delivery mechanisms in the UK rail industry, is essential.

Requirements:

• Understanding of rail industry structure and policy.
• Ability to develop and influence strategy and policy.
• Experience in operational strategy development, including outputs like Indicative Train Service Specifications and Concept Train Plans.
• Assessing impacts of timetable changes and new train services using software such as RailSys and Attune.
• Understanding industry performance data, demand assessment, fares, and ticketing.
• Experience engaging and presenting to Train Operators and Industry Partners.

Not ready to apply or have questions? Contact Rhian at [e-mail]. Please note, to remain GDPR compliant, do not send your CV directly to this email.

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success to grow together. We offer an attractive total reward package that recognizes each member’s contribution, including competitive pay, benefits supporting health and wellbeing, learning opportunities, and impactful work. As a member-owned company, we have the freedom and responsibility to set our own direction, with profit sharing as part of our rewards. Benefits include private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance, income protection, and flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and personal needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity, marital status, disability, race, faith, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or family leave status. We foster an inclusive culture supported by internal networks focusing on race, ethnicity, gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and disability. Learn more about life at Arup at our careers page.

We are committed to accessible recruitment and workplaces. Contact Rhian Melaney at [e-mail] for assistance or accommodations during your application or interview process.

Our Application Process

Visit this link to understand what to expect. Stay safe online—Arup will never ask for your bank details during recruitment.

Recruitment Agencies: We work with a trusted list of partners and do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies not on our list.