Senior/ Principal Rail Operations Consultant (Railsys)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive programme for health & wellbeing

Flexible working arrangements

Investment in professional development

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Rail Operational Planning professional to collaborate on complex rail transportation issues. The position requires proficiency in RailSys modelling software and strong analytical skills. You will work with a team to develop solutions and produce client reports, supporting a flexible hybrid work environment. Important benefits include work-life balance initiatives, health support, and career development opportunities. A forward-thinking mindset and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with RailSys software, including production of train planning rules.
• Ability to reason logically and apply systematic problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience in delivering business cases or capacity studies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop innovative solutions for complex rail problems.
• Scope project modelling requirements and conduct data analysis.
• Produce professional reports and proposals for clients.

Skills

Proficiency in RailSys modelling software

Knowledge of RailSys Standards for UK Rail modelling

Ability to undertake independent analysis

Strong presentation skills

Logical reasoning and problem-solving

Tools

RailSys software

OpenTrack

ATTUne software

Job description

Our Rail Operational Planning team within our Rail Advisory business is seeking professionals experienced in rail operational planning and timetabling using RailSys software to support the continued growth of our services.

Our Rail Operational Planning team helps our clients solve the most complex rail transportation problems. Whether for a new or existing railway, public or private sector, passenger or freight services, we use strategic and critical thinking together with understanding of how a railway system can be operated to deliver the outcomes of moving people and goods to deliver social, economic, and environmental value. You will support this through providing hands‑on consulting to help us solve these complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively as part of a team to develop innovative solutions to complex rail problems
• Scoping out project modelling requirements and undertaking data analysis/preparation
• Developing or amending rail operations models in accordance with our Quality Assurance processes to deliver project outcomes to time and budget
• Producing clearly written, concise and professional quality reports and proposals to our clients
• Sharing lessons learned and knowledge with the team, engaging in development opportunities across projects, team meetings and through industry engagements
• Actively upholding our guiding principles, promoting inclusivity and diversity, health and safety

Qualifications

• Proficiency in RailSys modelling software including detailed knowledge of software capabilities and limitations, technicalities of all modules (infrastructure, timetable, evaluation), production of train planning rules, all aspects of performance modelling from data input to interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of RailSys Standards for UK Rail modelling.
• The ability to undertake analysis independently to demonstrate the impact of a proposed infrastructure/timetable change.
• An ability to establish, build, sustain and share strong, professional relationships with relevant groups both inside and outside the organisation.
• An ability to reason logically and apply a systematic process to finding solutions, proactive in responding to problems, able to apply sound logic in situations of ambiguity and problem‑solving methodologies across a range of circumstances.
• A desire to constantly improve, motivate and encourage others, actively championing sharing knowledge, ideas, and intelligence.
• A forward‑thinking mindset, capable of visualising and planning for the longer term.
• Strong presentation skills, influential and persuasive internally and externally, encouraging open dialogue and feedback.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in delivering business cases, infrastructure feasibility assessments, capacity studies and operational concept reports.
• Capability in an alternative rail modelling software, such as OpenTrack.
• Proficiency in ATTUne software, or similar train planning tools such as TPS or VoyagerPlan.
• Experience in delivering timetables and rolling stock diagrams.
• Knowledge of the UK rail sector, operational planning principles and the Network Code.
• Experience in train crew diagramming.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encouraging people to bring their authentic selves to work.

Health & Wellbeing: we are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you, along with reasonable workplace adjustments and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: we offer the “WSP My Hour”, part‑time and flexible working arrangements, and the option to purchase additional leave.

Your development: we foster a supportive environment investing in your growth through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Equal Opportunity

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.