Demand Insights lead - 12M Secondment

Closing Date for Applications 30 November 2025 What is the purpose of this job? As Demand Insight Lead, you’ll champion the reform of demand forecasting, delivering pioneering insights that shape the future of the Passenger Demand Forecasting (PDF) Scheme. In this high-impact role, you’ll provide analytical leadership, drive strategic research, and empower industry members to make bold, data-driven decisions. Your work will directly influence the future of Britain’s railways, helping to create a simpler, better railway for everyone. What can I expect to do in this job?

You’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Setting and driving the strategic research vision for the PDF Scheme.
• Overseeing the development and continuous improvement of the Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook (PDFH).
• Leading all phases of research studies, from contractor selection to final report delivery.
• Collaborating on the governance and operation of the PDFC scheme and handbook, and building strong links with future GBR organisations.
• Ensuring project steering groups are skilled and actively engaged.
• Providing high-level guidance on research projects to ensure they align with industry priorities.
• Championing the use of demand insights to drive operational and business transformation.
• Leading and managing the PDF Scheme Manager and Commercial Analysis Manager to deliver scheme objectives and generate actionable insights for the wider industry.

Essential:

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in research or demand forecasting (especially PDFH).
• Excellent organisation and task prioritisation to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail, with advanced skills in modelling datasets and analytical insights.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

Desired:

• Experience with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SQL)

You’ll work closely with:

Internally:

Data, Analysis and Insights team Commercial and Marketing functions

Externally:

Scheme Full Members (e.g., TOCs, DfT, TfN, Network Rail, ORR) Scheme Associate Members (consultancies, academic institutes, individual academics) Suppliers of consultancy services and data TOC Revenue Managers 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 (AXA PPP) 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 as a Lead Solution Architect and shaping the future of digital ticketing, 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.