Rail Operational Planner; Senior​/Principal Consultant

Rail Operational Planner (Senior/Principal Consultant) Job Overview

WSP is seeking an experienced Rail Operational Planner to support the growth of our services. This role will be akin to an Operational Planning Manager, STP/ LTP Timetable Manager, Strategic Timetable Manager, or Senior Timetable Manager role.

You will build on existing capabilities across operational planning, system capability analysis, and modelling and simulation. You will be part of a trusted advisory and delivery partner to transport businesses and governments both in the UK and overseas.

• Build and maintain strong collaborative client relationships with infrastructure managers, government bodies, and train/freight operating companies.
• Lead and deliver projects focused on the planning, operation, and performance of the railway.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise in operational planning.
• Actively engage in client‑facing roles.
• Ensure quality assurance, checking and approving analysis and reports delivered by the team.
• Produce clear, concise, professional reports and proposals for clients.
• Develop the pipeline of work through client engagement and work‑winning activities.

• At least five years of experience in timetabling or Rail Operational Planning (e.g., Operational Planner, STP/LTP Timetable Planner).
• Knowledge of UK rail industry structure and international client needs.
• Ability to apply the Network Code.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Logical reasoning and systematic problem‑solving abilities.
• Forward‑thinking mindset capable of long‑term planning.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to influence internally and externally.
• Experience in business development and work‑winning activities.

We welcome candidates whose experience aligns with the role, even if they do not meet all criteria exactly.

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with 72,800 employees. We are dedicated to creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

Work‑life balance (hybrid working, flexible hours, WSP My Hour). Inclusivity & belonging. Health & wellbeing programs.

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.