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- Tasks: Lead innovative rail projects and shape the future of UK rail freight.
- Company: Join DP World, a global leader in trade and logistics, transforming supply chains 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 with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in rail freight and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to reshaping the future of 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.
WE MAKE TRADE FLOW
To Change What\’s Possible For Everyone
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 authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the world-wide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies .
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Director
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Business Development and Sales
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Industries
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
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Commercial Rail Development Director employer: DP World
Contact Detail:
DP World Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Rail Development Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals who are already working in rail freight and intermodal logistics. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the UK rail sector, particularly around decarbonisation and modal shift initiatives. Being well-versed in these topics will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with DP World’s existing projects and initiatives by following their updates on social media and their website. Understanding their current strategies and goals will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement and negotiation, as these skills are crucial for this role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex relationships or driven strategic partnerships, as these will be key talking points in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Rail Development Director
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
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the UK rail freight sector. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with DP World's goals, especially regarding modal shift and decarbonisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous senior leadership roles and how they have prepared you for this position. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive strategic initiatives in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about potential stakeholders you might engage with, such as Network Rail or government bodies. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these relationships and what strategies you would employ to unlock network capacity.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with business development, M&A opportunities, and investment appraisal. Show how your analytical mindset has led to successful outcomes in previous roles, particularly in contracted rail services.
