Programme Director

Who We Are
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. Click here to learn more.
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. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details
Duration: This role is offered as a secondment or fixed-term contract until winter 2027, with the potential for extension or to become permanent. Please note that secondments are subject to line manager approval, so you should discuss this with them before applying.
Salary: £116,753 - £146,951
Contact : If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.
Some of our great benefits [PM1] :

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Plus more....

About the role
Join us at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the railway.
The GBR Programme is an integrated programme of work that will establish the capabilities, products and operating model required for Day 1 of GBR. This is a critical transformation role where you will oversee delivery across a complex set of interdependent workstreams - from the development of new contracts, codes and policies, through to the design of future processes, capabilities and ways of working. You will bring coherence across the programme, ensuring that activity aligns to a clear end state and that the organisation is ready to transition with confidence. You will operate at the centre of a broad and senior stakeholder landscape - connecting System Operator leadership, the wider GBR programme, government and industry partners - aligning priorities, resolving tensions and maintaining momentum against an evolving delivery agenda.
We are looking for a leader who is

• able to translate an ambitious, evolving vision into a clear, executable plan
• confident engaging and challenging at the most senior levels, internally and externally
• naturally connecting interdependencies and driving integrated, whole¿railway outcomes
• a team builder - proactively consultative and a promoter of collaboration inside and outside of the programme
• comfortable operating where requirements are still forming and navigating complexity at pace

If you want to play a central role in shaping the future of Britain's railway - and lead a programme that will define how GBR comes to life - we would love to hear from you.
What does the average day look like?
As Programme Director for the System Operator transformation, you will operate at the heart of a complex, high profile programme, bringing clarity, pace and direction to the System Operator's journey towards Great British Railways. You will stay close to delivery, connecting workstreams, reviewing progress and identifying interdependencies, while continuously refining the programme approach to ensure it remains effective as priorities evolve. A key part of your role ensuring stakeholders clearly understand the purpose, progress and impact of the change.
You will work closely with senior leaders across the System Operator and the Industry to align priorities, manage risks and resolve challenges. At the same time, you will coach and support delivery teams, building a collaborative, outcome focused culture that delivers at pace. With a strong forward view, you will anticipate risks, unlock barriers and ensure the programme remains focused on delivering meaningful, whole system outcomes.
A little bit about the team...
You'll be joining a high performing, purpose driven community at the centre of shaping the future of the railway. The team brings together a diverse mix of strategy specialists and subject matter leads, all working collaboratively to turn ambition into practical outcomes. There is a strong sense of shared ownership, with people who are committed to delivering meaningful, system wide change.
It is an environment that is often ambiguous with competing priorities but ideas are welcomed and people are empowered to challenge constructively and improve how delivery is approached. You will work alongside experienced and engaged senior leaders, with the opportunity to influence at scale while being part of a team that is supportive, collaborative and focused on making a lasting impact.
Next Steps
CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned for weeks commencing 13 th and 20 th July, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes. There will be a two stage interview process for this role.
We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail
All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Your experience and skills
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced and credible transformation leader who brings a strong track record of delivering complex, large scale organisational change from design through to implementation. You will have deep expertise in shaping and delivering Target Operating Models, with the ability to translate strategic ambition into clear, actionable delivery that drives measurable outcomes.
You will be comfortable operating at senior level, using your judgement, influence and communication skills to engage, challenge and align stakeholders across organisational boundaries. With experience leading high performing teams, you will create the conditions for effective delivery, providing direction, support and constructive challenge where needed. You will be confident managing complexity and ambiguity, maintaining focus on outcomes while adapting your approach as priorities evolve.
Above all, you will bring the credibility, resilience and leadership presence needed to operate in a high profile environment, ensuring progress is maintained, risks are actively managed and the programme delivers meaningful, lasting transformation.
Essential Criteria
Experience in managing the end-to-end delivery of major organisational transformation programmes
Knowledge of Target Operating Model (TOM) design and implementation

Key Information Vacancy Details Number of Positions: 1 Contract Type: Fixed-Term Hours: Full Time Salary: £116,753 - £146,591 Location: London Waterloo General Offices, London Geographical Area: London (Inside M25) Closing Date: 12-JUL-2026 Job Category: Business, Commercial and Project Management Function: System Operator Organisation: FI Policy Team (638600) G5
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