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- Tasks: Lead the Rail Services team, managing contracts and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, a key player in the UK's rail services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension contribution.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on passenger services.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and experience in commercial problem-solving required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 65000 £ per year.
413823 Rail Services Lead, South Western Railway (SWR)
Department for Transport
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 20th July 2025
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £59,686 – £65,221 – ACivil Service Pensionwith an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Rail Services (Southern) team who sit within Rail Services Group which is responsible for ensuring the successful development and the day-to-day management of railway contracts.
You will work collaboratively with South Western Railway (SWR) as our delivery partner, so that they operate their Services Agreement (SA) in the interest of passengers, ensuring that they meet their suite of obligations and are supported and challenged to deliver agreed outcomes. You may be required to work flexibly in future across teams managing other Train Operating Companies.
The role is high-profile and fast-moving and will require a blend of strategic stakeholder management, commercial, project management and leadership skills.
Top Responsibilities
- Working with senior level executives of SWR, including on the Annual Business Plan, performance assessment and improvement, subsidy reduction and contract
- Advising internal and external stakeholders, Ministers, DfT senior leaders on matters. This can include providing material to the Ministerial and Press teams, sometimes within challenging timescales.
- Management responsibility of a team as well as organising, reporting and planning information and their workloads.
- Managing the contract/agreement and having a clear understanding of the key levers the Department can use to maximise passenger benefits while minimising risk to the taxpayer.
- Developing relationships and working collaboratively with DfTO, NR and Train Operating Companies as part of Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR).
- Build knowledge and play a key role in the transition to the new public ownership Services Agreement, including working closely with the Public Ownership Transition (POTP) team and DFTO.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensionshere
- 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 Kings 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
We are looking for an individual who has:
- The ability to build and establish collaborative commercial relationships with multiple stakeholders at Board level.
- Experience of solving complex commercial problems in a fast paced and high- profile environment.
- An understanding of market and change in commercial drivers and the ability to develop strategies to exploit these, considering financial, legal and commercial.
- A high degree of personal resilience, with the ability to work under pressure and maintain your performance levels under challenging circumstances.
- Be able to demonstrate or quickly build understanding of strategic relationship management including contract management processes
How to Apply
Read the full job description and apply at Civil Service Jobs via the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 20th July.
Rail Services Lead in South West London employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Services Lead in South West London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders involved in the Rail Services Lead role. Understanding their priorities and challenges will help you engage effectively during interviews and demonstrate your ability to build collaborative relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and changes within the rail industry, especially those affecting South Western Railway. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the organisation's goals and navigate complex commercial problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your strategic relationship management skills. Highlight situations where you've successfully managed contracts or collaborated with senior executives to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice articulating your resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Given the fast-paced nature of this role, being able to convey how you've handled challenging situations in the past will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Services Lead in South West London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Rail Services Lead position. Pay attention to the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your experience in stakeholder management, commercial problem-solving, and contract management processes, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the organisation. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the requirements and can contribute to the team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for a high-profile role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Research the Company and Role
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research South Western Railway and the specific responsibilities of the Rail Services Lead position. Understanding their current projects, challenges, and strategic goals will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Given the emphasis on building collaborative relationships with stakeholders at Board level, be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder management. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to navigate complex commercial relationships and solve problems effectively.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability
The role requires a high degree of personal resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. Think of situations where you've successfully managed stress or adapted to rapid changes, and be prepared to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the position involves developing strategies based on market changes and commercial drivers, be prepared to discuss your strategic thinking process. Highlight any relevant experiences where you've identified opportunities or developed strategies that led to successful outcomes.
