Commercial Rail Development Director
Commercial Rail Development Director

Commercial Rail Development Director

Southampton Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative rail projects and shape the future of UK rail freight.
  • Company: Join DP World, a global leader in trade and logistics with over 103,000 employees worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a culture that promotes personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and connectivity while working in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in rail freight and strong commercial acumen required.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to reshaping global trade.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Are you a visionary leader ready to reshape the landscape of UK rail freight? DP World is seeking a dynamic Commercial Rail Development Director to spearhead our ambitious rail and intermodal strategy. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and lead transformative projects that will redefine inland connectivity and logistics efficiency across the country. In this high-impact role, you’ll be instrumental in expanding our rail footprint, unlocking infrastructure potential, and delivering smart, sustainable growth. From enhancing operations at London Gateway to influencing national policy, your work will directly support the UK’s modal shift and decarbonisation goals.

NOTE: This is a hybrid role and can be based at London Gateway, Thurrock or our Regional Head Office in Victoria London. Presence across both sites and visibility is essential.

How you will contribute

  • Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute DP World UK’s rail and intermodal strategy, building a profitable, asset-light rail business that becomes a key player in UK unitised freight.
  • Growth & Innovation: Identify and lead M&A opportunities for inland terminals, and support rail capacity expansion at our ports to enable seamless network integration.
  • Infrastructure Development: Tackle operational limitations, including level crossing constraints, and propose forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Network Rail, infrastructure providers, and government bodies to unlock network capacity and drive volume growth.
  • Modal Shift Champion: Own and evolve our Modal Shift Programme, ensuring its full rollout and effectiveness across London Gateway and beyond.
  • Industry Representation: Be the face of DP World in key forums, engaging with the Department for Transport, TfL, Transport East, Thames Freeport, and other influential stakeholders.

What you will bring

  • Proven senior leadership experience in rail freight, intermodal logistics, or transport infrastructure.
  • Deep understanding of UK rail commercial and regulatory frameworks, including pathing and capacity management.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience in contracted rail services and stakeholder negotiation.
  • Background in business development, investment appraisal, and ideally M&A or capital project development.
  • Analytical mindset with a sharp eye for detail and problem-solving.
  • Exceptional communication skills and the ability to align diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to navigating complex, fast-paced environments.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation package.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally. With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 103,000 employees spanning 75 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future. We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades. The DP World family comprises of Syncreon, Imperial and P&O. What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We believe that employees are happiest when they’re empowered to be their true, authentic selves. So, please come as you are. We can’t wait to meet you.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorise DP World to transmit and store your information in the worldwide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies.

Commercial Rail Development Director employer: DP World Australia

DP World is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment where visionary leaders can thrive. With a strong commitment to personal growth and development, employees benefit from a market-competitive compensation package and the opportunity to shape the future of UK rail freight in a collaborative and informal atmosphere. Located in Southampton, this role provides unique access to a pivotal hub in the logistics sector, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on national infrastructure and sustainability goals.
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Contact Detail:

DP World Australia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Rail Development Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the rail freight and logistics sectors. Attend industry conferences, seminars, or webinars to meet key players and learn about the latest trends. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable connections that could support your application.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with DP World's current projects and initiatives in the rail sector. Understanding their strategic goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, demonstrating your genuine interest and alignment with their vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Engage with relevant stakeholders on platforms like LinkedIn. Follow DP World and connect with employees in similar roles to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can also help you stay updated on any news or developments that may be beneficial for your application.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with M&A opportunities and infrastructure development in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex projects and stakeholder negotiations, as these are crucial aspects of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Rail Development Director

Strategic Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
Business Development
Investment Appraisal
M&A Experience
Analytical Mindset
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of UK Rail Frameworks
Capacity Management
Exceptional Communication Skills
Resilience
Adaptability
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in rail freight, intermodal logistics, and transport infrastructure. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and commercial acumen.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your vision for the role and how your background aligns with DP World's goals. Mention your understanding of UK rail frameworks and your experience in stakeholder engagement.

Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any significant projects you've led or contributed to, particularly those involving M&A opportunities or infrastructure development. Quantify your achievements where possible.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is crucial for this role, consider including examples of how you've successfully aligned diverse teams or engaged with key stakeholders in previous positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at DP World Australia

✨Research DP World and the Rail Industry

Before your interview, take the time to understand DP World's role in the rail industry and their strategic goals. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in UK rail freight and intermodal logistics, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the conversation.

✨Prepare for Strategic Questions

Given the leadership nature of the role, be ready to discuss your vision for the future of rail freight. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led similar initiatives, tackled operational challenges, and engaged with stakeholders to drive growth and innovation.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Highlight your experience in business development, M&A, and stakeholder negotiation. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where your commercial insights have led to successful outcomes, particularly in the context of rail services or transport infrastructure.

✨Demonstrate Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills

The role requires resilience and a proactive approach to complex environments. Share examples of how you've navigated challenges in fast-paced settings, showcasing your analytical mindset and ability to align diverse teams towards common goals.

Commercial Rail Development Director
DP World Australia
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