At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of the UK rail network and enhance connectivity for passengers and freight.
- Company: Department for Transport, shaping the future of UK railways.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Civil Service Pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the UK's rail system and drive innovative change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in infrastructure projects and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 105000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, Leeds or London. Frequent travel to other sites may be required. We currently work on a hybrid basis with at least 60% of our time working in an office location.
Salary: £105,000 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
The Rail Group is responsible for delivering the Government’s vision of a unified and simplified rail system, improving services for passengers and better value for money for taxpayers. We will deliver a once in a generation change to the UK railways by bringing them into public ownership, including the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
The Director of Network and Connectivity plays a critical leadership role within the Group, leading the Department’s view on the development of the rail network. The role ensures that current and future infrastructure investments deliver improved connectivity for passengers and freight, balancing national and regional priorities, strengthening international connectivity and aligning with the long‑term rail strategy.
Top Responsibilities- Own the Department’s direction for the rail network ensuring connectivity, infrastructure and investment priorities are aligned with Government priorities and supported by a clear and deliverable pipeline of infrastructure investments.
- Lead the Department’s rail enhancements portfolio, providing oversight and effective assurance of delivery as responsibilities evolve across the Department, Network Rail and Great British Railways, maintaining confidence through transition.
- Set and lead the Department’s approach to place‑based rail connectivity, owning relationships about rail with mayoral strategic authorities, and aligning long‑term rail strategy with regional transport and growth priorities.
- Own the Department’s strategy and policy development for international rail and trade including key cross‑cutting border infrastructure and services such as HS1 and the Channel Tunnel, ensuring alignment with wider Government trade, growth and regulatory objectives.
- Set the direction for data, digital and innovation across the rail network, creating the conditions for improved performance, technological innovation and resilient supply chain, including sponsorship of the rolling stock strategy.
About You
You will need to be able to show, through your application, that you have the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post, as well as the leadership skills to succeed at Director level in the Senior Civil Service.
Key Selection Criteria- Credible practical understanding and experience of how major infrastructure programmes are successfully scoped, planned and delivered with a track record of applying this judgement to meet ambitious deadlines, budgets and political objectives.
- A strong track record of acting as a senior client and sponsor, building and sustaining collaborative partnerships across organisational, regional and sector boundaries, while holding partners to account for delivery and outcomes.
- Demonstrable experience of leading high profile complex change or transformation programmes, maintaining pace, delivery confidence and momentum through ambiguity, transition and intense scrutiny.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a highly complex and politically sensitive environment, providing assurance and clear advice to Ministers and senior stakeholders and building credibility across Government and externally.
- Highly developed leadership capability, with exceptional skills to build and lead high‑performing teams, model pace and professionalism, and contribute as part of a senior leadership group to drive delivery, performance and organisational change.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4ptofXA
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 10th August 2026.
Director of Network and Connectivity in Birmingham employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
Join the National Transport Casework Team and experience a fulfilling career where your contributions directly impact the UK’s transport network. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer excellent career development opportunities, including funding for professional qualifications, alongside a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and support, ensuring you thrive in a dynamic environment while making a meaningful difference.
Contact Details:
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruitment Team
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