At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic design and negotiation for GBR’s financial framework, collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Company: Department for Transport, committed to improving rail services for passengers and taxpayers.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse workforce with excellent support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Significant rail industry experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57515 - 62034 £ per year.
- Department for Transport
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 20th July 2026
- Salary
National: £57,515; London: £62,034 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Lead the strategic design, negotiation and approval for GBR’s non‑legislative financial framework; including the tools, delegations and controls required to underpin its financial operation, manage budgetary and financial pressures, pursue opportunities, and deliver meaningful benefits for passengers and taxpayers.
Collaborate across Df T, industry (including Network Rail, the ORR and Df TO) and external stakeholders (including UKGI and HMT), to interrogate framework options, inform decision‑making, develop a negotiation strategy, and gain support for cross‑Whitehall approvals.
- Top Responsibilities
- Lead the design and approval of GBR's non‑legislative financial framework, chairing cross‑government and industry engagement, resolving complex policy and stakeholder issues, setting negotiation priorities, and aligning delivery with the Railways Bill and necessary approvals processes.
- Support the successful passage of the Railways Bill through Parliament by leading funding and finance input, managing senior stakeholder relationships across Whitehall and industry, and ensuring the Bill's funding provisions are effectively developed, understood and implemented.
- Lead the next phase of development of GBR's Integrated Business Plan (i. e.
GBR’s future business planning process and how it supports funding), driving cross‑industry alignment, securing stakeholder buy‑in, and ensuring integration with wider rail reform, existing financial settlement, and Df TO/Network Rail integration.
- Ensure the timely and quality development of other workstreams, including but not limited to: insurance and debt.
- Support other parts of Df T (RRD, GBR Design, NR Shareholding, NR Sponsorship, Future Df T) as they input work in support of the set‑up of GBR.
- Lead a team consisting of x2 SEOs.
Ensure their wellbeing, provide mentoring/coaching and leadership, solve problems on the team’s behalf.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need.
We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.
About You
- To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Significant rail industry experience, with strong negotiation skills and a proven track record of leading complex policy development across commercial, operational and financial areas.
- Experience leading through change and uncertainty, demonstrating resilience and the ability to support teams to adapt and thrive within a fast‑paced and evolving environment, particularly in the context of Rail Reform.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working collaboratively with senior leaders across organisations such as Df T, HM Treasury and Network Rail to drive outcomes and build consensus where differing views exist.
- A valid passport for international travel
- A full UK driving license
You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process.
If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.
How to Apply
- Read the full description and apply here: https://bit. ly/44lz4RW
- This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 20th July 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Commercial Policy & Negotiation Lead (GBR) 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
