Join Network Rail ! Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here . We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .
This is a rare senior leadership opportunity to own a significant transformation portfolio, delivering business improvements now while helping shape the future of the railway in the East Midlands.
As Programme Director [Transformation], you will lead complex, high-value change initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes, improve safety and performance, and create lasting benefits for passengers, freight customers and the communities we serve.
Working closely with executive stakeholders, you will own the strategy and roadmap for integration and readiness ahead of Great British Railways, helping ensure the East Midlands route is prepared for the changes ahead.
What You'll Be Doing
As Programme Director [Transformation], you'll provide executive-level leadership across major transformation programmes that support Network Rail's priorities and improve outcomes for passengers and freight users. You'll:
- Set and champion the programme vision, making sure it is clearly aligned to Network Rail's strategy, business priorities and our ambition for a simpler, better, greener railway.
- Lead the delivery of complex transformation programmes, taking accountability for outcomes, benefits and long-term value across multiple workstreams.
- Provide clear executive governance, assurance and decision-making, making sure programmes are well controlled, compliant and focused on the right outcomes.
- Build trusted relationships with executive leaders, senior stakeholders and delivery partners, creating confidence, alignment and momentum throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Identify and manage strategic risks, issues and dependencies, making balanced decisions that protect safety, performance, cost and customer outcomes.
- Lead people and teams through significant change, helping the organisation adopt new ways of working that make the railway safer, more reliable and easier to deliver for.
- Chair programme reviews and assurance activity, using evidence and insight to test delivery confidence, strategic alignment and benefits realisation.
- Lead, develop and support senior programme teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion and high performance.
- Sponsor audits and assurance reviews of programme documentation, systems, processes and controls, making sure lessons are acted on and improvements are embedded.
What's in it for you
Here are a few of the benefits we offer-
- 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
- Choice of pension schemes
- 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
- Private Healthcare
- 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
- Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
- Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
- My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount
This vacancy is Band 1C, salary starting at £116,753 and raising to £150,696 (DOE), plus car allowance.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for an accomplished senior leader who can operate with confidence in a complex, high-profile environment. You'll be able to bring people with you, make sound decisions under pressure and turn strategy into measurable delivery.
Essential
- Extensive experience operating in a senior leadership or executive management position.
- Proven experience delivering strategic transformation or business change programmes with budgets exceeding £10m.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, interpersonal and communication skills, with the credibility to influence at executive level.
- Ability to provide strategic direction, constructive challenge and clear support to programme and project leadership teams.
- Demonstrable knowledge and practical application of programme and project management methodologies.
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent financial and investment management capability.
- Degree qualified or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
Desirable
- Formal Programme Management qualification such as MSP Practitioner or equivalent.
- Knowledge and experience of the rail industry.
If you're ready to lead major transformation and help shape the future of the railway in the East Midlands, we'd welcome your application.
Why Apply?
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of organisational transformation, collaborating with senior leaders to drive change that delivers real and lasting business impact. You'll have the autonomy, visibility and strategic influence to shape outcomes that support Network Rail's future success.
Ready to shape the future of the East Midlands route? Apply now or contact us for a confidential conversation.
Don't meet every requirement?
Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role. If this isn't the job for you, there may be other roles available in the wider team.
Apply now and start your journey with us. Together, we will keep Britain moving safely and efficiently.
Applying
Click 'Apply' to submit your application.
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We're here to support you throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, please contact the recruitment support team at [email protected] . You can also visit Evenbreak Careers for additional accessibility support.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
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