Our transport system impacts the lives of everyone in this country: taking people to work and school, to visit friends and relatives, and keeping the shelves of our supermarkets stocked. The Coronavirus crisis has shone a light on how mobility, of both people and goods, is central to how we live our lives. At the Department for Transport, we are responsible for connecting people and places, and ensuring that the transport sector delivers today, while being ambitious for tomorrow.

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Department’s Rail Group as the Director of Rail Strategy and Analysis. You will work as part of a committed and friendly team focused on improving experiences for rail passengers and delivering value for money for taxpayers. You will lead on a broad range of rail policy and strategy issues, including planning for Budgets and spending reviews, rail freight, international rail and managing the relationships with some of the Department’s key stakeholders, as well as leading the Rail Analysis team whose work is critical to many of the decisions made in Rail Group. You will also be a key part of the Group’s leadership team, looking after the wellbeing of our 600-strong team and working collaboratively on a wide range of cross-cutting issues.

We are looking for an inspiring leader and an outstanding communicator, who can motivate and support a diverse and multi-disciplinary team, as well as effectively collaborate, gain trust and influence at the most senior levels of government and industry. We are looking for someone with the adaptability and resilience required to lead through periods of uncertainty or change, and with excellent policy and analytical skills.

We actively promote a flexible approach to working and would like to encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for this role. Expert knowledge is not needed for this role. If you are new to rail, or indeed to transport, we would still encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Motivate a diverse team including policy experts and analysts, supporting their development and managing performance against a background of an unpredictable, fast-paced and changing programme of work.
• Ensure a culture of collaboration within and beyond the directorate, working closely with the rest of Rail Group and the wider Department.
• Develop the long-term strategy for rail, and work closely with the Rail Reform directorate to deliver the recommendations of the Williams Rail Review.
• Lead on rail sector financial issues including periodic reviews of Network Rail’s finances, planning for Budgets and Spending Reviews, in all cases ensuring a coherent and effective position is developed and communicated.
• Lead Rail Group’s input to Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the EU, and other countries. Support the industry to maximise the benefits and opportunities from leaving the EU and establishing a new role on the global stage.
• Ensure an effective and ambitious international rail policy is in place, particularly leading work to support the continued success of the Channel Tunnel.
• Oversee the work of the rail analysis team, supporting them to provide rigorous and high impact analysis to support a broad range of decisions across Rail Group.
• Lead key stakeholder relationships with rail sector arm’s length bodies including Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, British Transport Police Authority, Transport Focus, and the Rail Accidents and Investigations Branch ensuring all work to deliver value for money for taxpayers and improve the passenger experience.
• Provide advice to ministers on key rail sector policy issues including pensions, safety strategy, ensuring a vibrant rail supply chain and a successful rail freight sector.
• Ensure rail interests are effectively reflected in a broad range of issues that cut across Government departments, including housing and industrial strategy.

Benefits 

"Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits.

This includes:
- a generous annual leave entitlement,
- attractive pension options,
- flexible working,
- good career development opportunities,
- a variety of career paths,
- inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance."