Rail Commercial Lead

Joining Arup 

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

Arup is a multi–disciplinary firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s-built environment. 

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it! 

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic Rail Commercial Leader to join our Strategic Consulting team in London, driving commercial growth in rail planning and the wider transport sector. This role demands industry expertise, strong leadership, and a network of valuable contacts to enhance our commercial capability. As part of our Transport Consulting business, you will play a key role in delivering high-impact advisory services, contributing to policy, regulation, strategy, business case analysis, economics, forecasting, and operations. While rail planning will be your primary focus, you will also support broader transport planning initiatives across various clients and geographies.

Our Strategic Consulting team specialises in shaping transport solutions with expertise in regulatory and policy advisory, strategy and business planning, project feasibility and early-stage development, demand and revenue modelling, fares, ticketing, and retail, as well as concessioning and franchising. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of rail and transport, working alongside industry experts in a collaborative, ambitious, and forward-thinking environment.

Is the role right for you

Your key responsibilities will include leading and managing transport consulting projects of various scales, ensuring successful delivery within budget and time constraints. You will provide expert advice on regulatory and policy reforms, particularly in the UK rail sector, while conducting demand and revenue modelling, feasibility studies, and business case development using industry-standard methodologies. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will guide clients on transport policy, strategy, and planning while driving business development efforts through proposal preparation and securing new commissions. Additionally, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address complex transport challenges and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of rail and transport, combining technical expertise with commercial leadership in a forward-thinking and ambitious environment.

Requirements

• Comprehensive understanding of transport policy, strategy, planning, and management, particularly in the UK rail industry.
• A network of client relationships ideally including key UK clients such as DfT, Network Rail, ORR, TfL, PTEs or combined authorities, with proven experience of using these relationships to win new work.
• Experience in project and team leadership including line management.
• Strong project management skills, the ability to lead client meetings with confidence and understanding, and a problem-solving attitude to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrable track record in transport operations, business case appraisal, transport economics, business planning, strategy development, operating contracts, market analysis, demand forecasting, and performance planning.
• Experience in demand and revenue forecasting (using PDFH), business case development (aligned with TAG and HM Treasury Green Book), and a strong understanding of spreadsheet modelling best practices, would be desirable; together with familiarity with coding languages such as VBA, R, or Python, along with knowledge of GIS software and digital techniques.

What We Offer you 

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.  

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.   

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.  

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs. 

Different People, Shared Values 

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.   

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.  

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Rhian Melaney at rhian.melaney@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you. 

Our Application Process 

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/ 

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process. 

Recruitment Agencies 

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.