Position Purpose :
To lead the rail planning functions of Long Term Planning Framework (LTPF) by providing direction and co-ordination of rail infrastructure and rolling stock planning functions.
The position ensures alignment of rail plans to other functional plans (including port & pipeline) and aims to optimize
Company's short term (0-7 years), medium term (8-15 years) and long term (16-30 years) infrastructure capital investments.
The position is also responsible for formulating rail technology plans, capacity analysis, infrastructure status quo analysis and rolling stock planning components of the Company Long Term Planning Framework (LTPF). The outputs of this role helps to ensure Company’s long term sustainability and address capacity provision ahead of business demand.

Position outputs :
Formulate and develop the rail components of the Company Long Term Planning Framework (LTPF) and supporting rail network plans; ensure alignment of these plans with Company Strategic and Commercial objectives.
Ensure the translation of freight demand (developed by the Manager Demand Planning) to rail demand for infrastructure (train slots) and rolling stock by type, route and network segment
Ensure comprehensive analysis and understanding of the installed capacity available on the entire rail network and associated hub and terminal infrastructure
Oversee capacity utilisation analysis to understand when and where new capacity will be required in future
Identify and guide the development of technology and infrastructure improvement plans that will most effectively ensure sufficient capacity ahead of demand
Ensure development of the required rolling stock, service design and infrastructure development plans to reflect the 30 year capital cost and cash-flow programmes.
Ensure integration with other planning functions (port & pipeline) in Company, and optimize Company's short term (0-7 years), medium term (8-15 years) and long term (16-30 years) infrastructure capital investments
Conceptualise and direct research and planning studies including the early selection, planning, development and approval of capital investment concepts and business cases for project feasibility development
Produce a comprehensive risk register for rail development projects. The register will include safety, commercial, operational, spatial, environmental and social risks.
Lead the management of projects during the PLP FER, FEL1 and FEL 2 process stages and gates
Offer support to Group Commercial and TFR Commercial with capacity analysis and infrastructure development investigations in support of commercial contract negotiations.
Lead and address rail planning issues at various internal and external planning committees.
Approve and ensure preparation of planning position papers on behalf of Company in response to external queries about long term rail developments and land usage.
Provide planning direction and support to the operating units in the development of specific conceptual and pre-feasibility
studies and the assessment of component infrastructure plans.
Represent Company on planning issues to external stakeholders and establish structured planning interfaces with planning
authorities to ensure alignment and adoption of the LTPF; support Group Strategy and Group Policy on such engagements when required.
Ensure the alignment of the rail capital plans with the capital budgeting cycle by engaging with the operating divisions planning functions on an on-going basis.
Implement and maintain adequate controls of Group Planning budget with pro-active and prudent cost containment and adherence to Company finance and accounting policies and procedures.
Ensure effective office governance by ensuring monthly reports on progress are comprehensively prepared and presented.
Effective management of the rail planning team by ensuring Company HR policies and processes are communicated and implemented including performance reviews, skills development and training.

Qualifications & Experience :
Unless the incumbent can demonstrate that he/she has developed the necessary competencies through experience, an Engineering degree is required
At least 5 years’ experience of Infrastructure and Capital Planning
5 years proven experience in Rail Engineering is essential
4 years proven experience of project management will be an advantage

Competencies :
In-depth knowledge of rail logistics and operations
Thorough knowledge of supply chain design and capacity planning
Thorough understanding of commercial management in a transportation / logistics environment
Understanding of business case development and financial analysis
Thorough knowledge of rail infrastructure lifecycle management
Knowledge of Project Management principles and controls
Knowledge of Company and the way the OD’s function