Consultant or Senior Consultant - Rail Advisory

As a Consultant or Senior Consultant at Steer, you will engage in providing strategic, analytical, and policy advice related to the rail industry. This involves working directly with clients to analyze various challenges, manage small to medium-sized projects, and contribute to major workstreams. You'll also be responsible for conducting technical analyses, report writing, and delivering presentations that summarize your findings and recommendations.

Candidates for the Consultant or Senior Consultant role at Steer should possess strong analytical skills, particularly in spreadsheet modeling and data analysis. Experience in rail disciplines such as performance modeling or operational planning is ideal. Furthermore, effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial, as you’ll be explaining technical information to non-technical clients. Being a team player and being open to coaching junior teammates are also key components for this role.

To be considered for the Consultant or Senior Consultant role at Steer, you should have a relevant degree in a field such as economics, engineering, or transportation planning, along with experience in a consultancy or analytical role focused on the rail industry. While specific prior experience may be beneficial, Steer values diverse backgrounds, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply, even if their experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.

At Steer, we champion inclusivity and the well-being of our employees. Our employee-owned model means everyone is invested in the company’s success, promoting a collaborative culture where individuals are encouraged to grow and shine. We offer initiatives like Employee Resource Groups to support the diverse experiences of our staff while prioritizing merit and capability in our hiring processes.

As a Consultant or Senior Consultant at Steer, you will work on a variety of high-profile projects that shape the future of rail transport. Your projects may include advising on government reforms, client-specific operational plans, or technical assurance assessments. This diverse project exposure will allow you to enhance your analytical and strategic skills while contributing to significant transformations in the rail industry.

When discussing your experience in rail advisory, focus on any specific projects you've worked on, the analytical methods you employed, and the outcomes you helped achieve. Highlight your collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in government or private sectors, and discuss how your advice led to tangible improvements in the rail industry.

For this question, it's essential to convey your project management approach, including planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Discuss how you prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and keep clients informed. An example of a past project showcasing your capabilities would add great value to your answer.

Discuss the analytical tools you've worked with, emphasizing any specific software relevant to the rail industry, such as MOIRA, performance modeling tools, or data visualization software. Illustrate how you've applied these tools to solve complex problems and support your analytical findings with examples from your previous work.

Your response should demonstrate your understanding of your audience. Discuss your strategies for simplifying complex information—using analogies, visuals, or direct examples can help engage listeners. Share a specific instance where you successfully communicated technical details while ensuring clarity and comprehension.

Interviewers want to see your understanding of the market. Offer insights into networking, attending industry conferences, or leveraging client relationships for business development. Share any specific examples of successful initiatives or partnerships you've cultivated that exhibit your proactive approach to expanding business opportunities.

This question tests your leadership and mentorship approach. Discuss your philosophy regarding team development, sharing any specific mentoring experiences. Emphasize the importance of feedback, guidance, and fostering an environment where juniors feel empowered to ask questions and seek growth.

When answering this question, start by outlining the problem clearly, then walk through your analytical approach to resolving it. Highlight the processes you employed, the tools you used, and the collaboration with others that led to a successful outcome. Providing a quantifiable result or positive impact will enhance your answer.

Reflect on current trends such as sustainability, technological advancements, and passenger experience enhancements. Your answer should indicate your awareness of key industry shifts and how you envision your role as a Consultant or Senior Consultant contributing to this evolution.

Collaboration is crucial in consultancy. Share a specific project where teamwork played a pivotal role. Discuss your contributions, how you navigated challenges within the team, and the ultimate success that resulted, showcasing your ability to work harmoniously with different roles.

Discuss your strategies for continuous learning, such as following industry journals, attending workshops, and networking within the sector. Share concrete examples of relevant ongoing education or professional development activities you've engaged in to demonstrate your commitment to staying informed.