Strategic Planning Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A major transport organisation is seeking a Strategic Planning Manager in London to support long-term planning and integration within a complex rail programme. The role involves developing strategic plans, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring consistency across multiple workstreams, providing a unique opportunity to influence UK rail infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in programme or senior project management.
• Strong knowledge of programme methodologies and planning.
• Desirable: understanding of UK rail operations and the HS2 programme.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of long-term strategic plans.
• Representing the organisation in strategic planning forums.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Programme management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Project/programme management qualification (e.g., MSP)

Job description

Are you a Strategic Planning Manager who is experienced working in a Rail environment? This could be a great role for you!

Location: London Travel: Infrequent

We are recruiting on behalf of a major transport organisation for a Strategic Planning Manager to support the long-term planning and integration of High-Speed Services and Integrated Operations within a complex rail programme. This is a pivotal role within the Strategy and Transition team, offering the opportunity to shape the future of UK rail infrastructure.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining the organisation's Integrated Plan, ensuring alignment with industry partners. You will play a key role in coordinating strategic inputs, supporting change management, and ensuring coherence across multiple programme workstreams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of long-term strategic plans and aligning them with national rail initiatives.
• Representing the organisation in strategic planning forums and working groups.
• Supporting internal teams with planning guidance and ensuring consistency across deliverables.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders to promote understanding of strategic planning priorities.
• Contributing to key business planning documents and continuous improvement initiatives.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• Extensive experience in programme or senior project management.
• Strong knowledge of programme methodologies and planning.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A relevant project/programme management qualification (e.g., MSP).
• Desirable: understanding of UK rail operations and the HS2 programme.

This is a non-line management role based in an office environment, with no on-call responsibilities. It offers a unique opportunity to influence the delivery of a transformative rail programme.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for infrastructure and stakeholder collaboration, we'd love to hear from you ASAP.