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Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department Name: System Operator
We are seeking a visionary leader for a pivotal role within the rail Industry, overseeing national train planning and timetable production. As the head of the Capacity Planning function, you will manage a team of around 600 employees, guiding the development and implementation of our capacity planning and allocation processes. This role demands a strategic balance, from managing teams implementing short-term timetable adjustments as short as 24 hours’ notice to long-term strategic Train Planning optioneering and modelling for the next decade. You’ll also be responsible for helping to shape our Train Planning systems vision for the coming decade as we seek to modernise our systems and processes.
The successful candidate will have extensive experience in Railway Operations and/ or Train Planning/ wider Railway Planning, strong political acumen and exceptional stakeholder management skills. A proven track record of leading large teams is essential.
As we advance towards rail industry integration and the establishment of Great British Railways, your leadership will be crucial in delivering enhanced outcomes for both passengers and freight.
As Capacity Planning Director, you will:
- Provide executive leadership for the production of the National Timetable, ensuring alignment with Network Rail’s strategic objectives and industry commitments. Accountable for the delivery of a timetable supporting passenger and freight operations across the rail network.
- Hold strategic accountability for the design and drive continuous improvement of capacity planning processes and methodologies to strengthen timetable robustness, quality, and cost efficiency
- Lead the Advanced timetabling teams delivering integrated plans for major future timetable changes and oversee the delivery and development of Timetable Performance analytics.
- Direct the projects and programmes in timetable planning systems and data management delivering tangible benefits for customers and the business
- Lead the delivery of high-quality timetable change projects, incorporating customer and industry needs in line with contractual obligations and network capability.
- Maintain a strategic overview of requests for significant timetable changes, enabling and tracking the realisation of the benefits of infrastructure investments.
- Collaborate with Strategy & Planning teams in Routes and Regions, and in future GBR structures, in developing a comprehensive plan for future configuration and use of the network capacity through high quality timetable analysis.
- Partner with Route Managing Directors in the safe operational implementation of timetable change.
- Manage and maintain the Capacity Planning Opex and Capex budgets, providing strategic direction for investment prioritisation to maximise business value and customer outcomes.
- Sponsor and lead large-scale, technology-enabled transformation programmes that embed data-driven decision-making, automation, and AI within capacity planning, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, customer experience, and strategic agility.
Essential Criteria:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
- Proven executive experience leading large-scale capacity planning, timetabling, or complex operational planning functions in safety-critical or regulated environments.
- Demonstrable ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams, delivering measurable improvements in performance, quality, and efficiency.
- Experience directing large-scale, technology-enabled transformation programmes, embedding data-driven decision-making, AI, automation, and emerging technologies into business planning processes.
- Strong commercial and political judgment, with the ability to make strategic decisions in complex, high-stakes environments.
- Leadership experience in Railway Operations, Train Planning, or wider Railway Planning functions.
- Proven capability in managing business unit financials exceeding £50m per annum.
- Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and build credibility with senior stakeholders across government, regulatory bodies, and industry partners.
- In-depth knowledge of the railway industry, including contractual frameworks and regulatory requirements.
How to Apply:
Closing date: 13th November 2025.
Click apply now to apply.
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