Senior Strategic Planner

Closing date: 15 April 2026

Salary scale: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum

What is the purpose of this job?

· Lead RDG’s long-term railway planning activity and initiatives enabling these to be appropriately reflected by funders and specifiers in their plans, with input as required from RDG colleagues and wider industry stakeholders.

· Deliver and facilitate high quality services for industry stakeholders, this will include Department for Transport, DFTO and Network Rail.

· Provide advice to inform rail-related long-term plans, representing the views of train and freight operators with funders, planning authorities and infrastructure maintainers. This will require strong engagement at a senior management level with Network Rail’s System Operator, routes and regions; DFTO and with national and devolved administrations.

· Develop ideas aligned to our business priorities that are aimed at stimulating change within the industry.

What can I expect to do in this job?

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but things you can expect to be involved with include:

· Lead RDG’s Planning Oversight Group (POG), the industry’s most senior cross-industry forum on long-term strategic planning. This includes supporting an annual work programme and agreeing the overall approach with members.

· Lead RDG’s Station Strategy Group (POG), the industry’s most senior cross-industry forum on station strategy. This includes supporting an annual work programme, organising a Station Summit and agreeing the overall approach with members.

· Support RDG’s Technical Leadership Group (TLG), the cross-industry forum advocating for the Rail Technical Strategy. This includes supporting an annual work programme and agreeing the overall approach.

· Support RDG’s Access Managers Exchange (AME) to encourage collaboration across the industry on access and regulatory changes.

· Represent RDG and its members on the Route Investment Review Groups (RIRGs), including close liaison with train operators and Network Rail regional teams.

· Strengthening relationships across Industry Operations by contributing to wider RDG priorities including input to the wider rail reform agenda.

· Undertake research, gather and analyse data and information using appropriate analytical techniques, apply insights and engage stakeholders through various methods to support improved outcomes for customers and the railway system.

· Galvanise support across the sector for improvements from external stakeholders through the long-term planning process.

· Preparation of papers to deliver high quality briefings, board papers and reports.

· Coordinate industry meetings – taking ownership for industry meetings as required.

· Prepare and review consultation responses, gathering views internally and externally.

· Build enduring relationships with passenger and freight operators and with Network Rail.

· Build and own relationships with key stakeholders including DfT, other Government Departments, ORR and, where relevant, EU institutions.

· Attend, contribute to, and actively steer meetings with members, officials and stakeholders.

· Support the delivery of external communications materials.

· Keep up to date with relevant social, political and economic developments, and brief others on these as required.

· Support the Railway Strategy & Policy team in fulfilling its annual priorities, including representing the business externally.

· Work with agility and flexibility, contributing to several work areas simultaneously.

· Support a strong culture of professional excellence in the team through taking responsibility for personal continuous development.

· Attend relevant conferences and seminars and share information with the organisation.

Who will my key contacts be?

· Railway Strategy and Policy team (internal)

· Communications team (internal)

· Industry Operations team (internal)

· Passenger owning groups and train operators (external)

· Freight owning groups and operators (external)

· Network Rail (external)

· Office for Rail and Road (external)

· Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB)

· Department for Transport and other national transport authorities (external)

Requirements:
What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

· Good inter-personal and relationship building skills with external contacts and internal colleagues

· Good communication skills - verbal, written and presentational

· Excellent numeracy and analytical skills

· Ability to structure, substantiate, draft and then communicate complex planning proposals and briefings

· Computer literate

· Broad strategic planning or town planning experience, acquired through a combination of job-related training and/or on-the-job experience, demonstrating development through involvement in policy roles

· Understanding of GB rail industry structure (desirable)

· Full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (desirable)

Benefits:
Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.