Digital Agile AI Delivery Lead

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Digital Agile AI Delivery Lead for a 12 month contract based up to 3 days per week in London.

Job Purpose

Lead day-to-day operational delivery of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Incubator Accelerator delivery pod to align multi-disciplinary specialists and enable the timely development of high-quality AI and automation solutions within agreed architectural and governance frameworks.

As a Product-Orientated Delivery (POD) Lead, your main responsibilities will be:

. Provide direction to the POD to deliver AI and automation outcomes aligned with organisational priorities, timelines, and quality standards, and enable effective decision-making to ensure timely execution of agreed initiatives.

. Define approved requirements into prioritised and sequenced delivery plans to enable structured execution by the POD.

. Maintain oversight and resolve delivery risks, issues and constraints, intervening decisively to protect outcomes and escalating material risks where required.

. Prioritise work across the pod to ensure a sustainable delivery pace, optimal utilisation of resources, and alignment with broader programme commitments.

. Orchestrate multidisciplinary inputs across data science, engineering, business analysis and governance functions to deliver integrated, production-ready solutions.

. Oversee and deliver all AI and automation solutions within the POD in accordance with agreed architectural standards and enterprise governance processes.

. Serve as the senior point of contact for the POD in engagements with business adopters, partners, and governance bodies, providing clear direction on scope, delivery confidence, and trade-offs.

. Maintain compliance with established assurance, risk management and reporting processes.

. Provide leadership, direction and development for POD members, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture and building sustainable capability.

. Evaluate capability and capacity requirements across the pod, identifying gaps and providing insight and recommendations to ensure continuity of delivery and long-term effectiveness.

Essential:

. Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary technical or digital delivery teams within AI, data or automation environments.

. Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning delivery life cycles sufficient to inform prioritisation and risk management decisions.

. Proven experience applying Agile delivery methodologies within complex organisational environments.

. Proven ability to influence and align technical and non-technical stakeholders to achieve delivery outcomes.

Desirable:

. Experience operating within defined governance or assurance frameworks.

. Experience working within regulated or safety-related environments.

. Experience coordinating delivery across internal capability partners or external suppliers.

. Familiarity with enterprise systems integration or solution architecture principles.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".