Strategic Planner

Closing date: 29 June 2026

Salary Scale: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum

What is the purpose of this job?  

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Strategic Planner to join the Rail Strategy and Policy team at RDG. The role holder will support the development and delivery of long-term railway planning activity across Great Britain, helping ensure that industry priorities are appropriately reflected in funder and infrastructure planning processes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to coordinate and influence strategic planning activity across the railway, working closely with internal colleagues and a broad range of external stakeholders across the sector

What can I expect to do in this job?  

A key responsibility of this position will be supporting and facilitating RDG’s Planning Oversight Group (POG) and Station Strategy Group (SSG), senior cross-industry fora on long-term strategic planning and station strategy respectively. Responsibilities will include supporting the shaping of their annual work programmes and supporting delivery, including RDG’s Stations Summit.

The role will also support other key governance groups including Technical Leadership Group (TLG), and Access Managers’ Exchange (AME), working closely with group chairs and leads to develop agendas, papers and outputs.

Another key aspect of the role will be representing RDG and its members on Network Rail’s Route Investment Review Groups (RIRGs), requiring close collaboration with train operators, Network Rail regions, and sub-national transport bodies.

The role requires confident engagement with a wide range of stakeholders across the rail industry, including Department for Transport, Network Rail, train and freight operators, the Office of Rail and Road, and wider government and industry bodies.

Alongside governance and stakeholder engagement, the role will involve:

• Undertaking research, analysis and evidence gathering to inform long-term planning decisions
• Supporting the development of strategic policies and initiatives aligned to RDG priorities
• Preparing high-quality briefings, reports and board papers
• Coordinating industry meetings and workshops
• Contributing to wider RDG priorities, including rail reform and cross-industry collaboration

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

The ideal candidate will be:

Professionally qualified with a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification (ideally in town planning or a related discipline), or with equivalent experience in strategic planning, consultancy or a related field.

Essential:

·       Experience in strategic planning, policy or town planning (typically 2+ years)

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and develop recommendations

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clearly and concisely

·       Ability to facilitate meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement activity

·       Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable:

·       Knowledge of the GB rail industry and its regulatory and commercial environment

·       Membership (or working towards membership) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)

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.