At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of impactful leadership development programmes across the rail industry.
- Company: Join DFTO, a key player in transforming UK rail into public ownership.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail leadership and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership development and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69230 - 73361 £ per year.
About DFTO
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 11,000 services a day and delivers over 930 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia, WM Trains and GTR. We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
Primary Purpose of Job: The Leadership and Organisational Development Manager holds lead accountability for designing, commissioning and embedding the leadership and management capability strategy across DFTO and, where required, the wider group. Operating at the intersection of organisational development, learning, design and cultural transformation, the post-holder translates complex organisational priorities into high-impact, evidence-based development interventions that measurably improve performance.
The role carries significant strategic influence, exercising independent professional judgement to assess organisational capability needs, commission and quality-assure provision from internal and external providers, manage development budgets, and drive cross-industry collaboration to eliminate duplication and establish best-in-class leadership development at scale. The post-holder plays a defining role in shaping the culture and leadership behaviours that will underpin DFTO's performance and GBR's success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Needs Analysis and Capability Planning: Lead organisation-wide leadership and management capability assessment, using appropriate diagnostic tools, data analysis and coaching-based approaches to identify development requirements, learning outcomes and success measures at individual, team and system level. Translate business strategy, cultural ambitions and GBR transition requirements into a coherent, multi-year leadership development plan, exercising autonomous professional judgement to prioritise investment and sequence interventions for maximum organisational impact.
- Design, Commissioning and Delivery: Lead the end-to-end design and commissioning of the organisation's leadership and management development portfolio — including face-to-face programmes, action learning sets, coaching, mentoring, online learning and embedded learning in the flow of work so that each intervention is evidence-based, experiential and directly connected to business outcomes.
- Transfer of Learning, Evaluation and Impact Measurement: Design and implement a robust evaluation framework that measures the impact of leadership and management development at four levels: delegate experience, learning acquired, behavioural change on the job, and organisational performance improvement.
- Cross-Industry Leadership and Talent Development: Exercise strategic leadership across the rail industry to identify existing leadership and talent development provision, broker partnerships with Network Rail, Train Operating Companies and GBR transition bodies, and co-create a shared industry development portfolio that eliminates duplication and delivers at scale.
- Stakeholder, Supplier and Commercial Management: Build and sustain highly effective strategic relationships with HR Business Partners, operational leaders, Executive Team members, subject matter experts, trade unions and external partners — influencing without authority across complex, multi-organisational stakeholder landscapes.
- Programme Governance, Financial Management and Risk: Hold full accountability for leadership and management development budgets — making autonomous resource allocation decisions, managing financial risk and delivering value for money at all times.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
Essential Skills and Experience: Substantial and demonstrable experience leading the design and delivery of complex, high-impact leadership and management development programmes at senior and executive level in large, multi-site organisations. Proven ability to exercise autonomous professional judgement in needs assessment, strategy development and investment prioritisation, operating credibly with and influencing Executive-level stakeholders.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications: CIPD Level 7, ILM Level 7 or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Learning and Development, Organisational Development or Human Resources.
Behaviours & Values: The post-holder will be expected to consistently demonstrate the following behaviours aligned to the Civil Service Success Profiles at Senior Leader level:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
Vacancy Details:
Duration: Fixed Term up to 31st October 2027 contract/secondment Location: We currently have offices in London Waterloo, Leeds, Birmingham. Salary Banding: £69,230 to £73,361 Closing date: 21st August 2026.
DFTO Benefits: Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days) DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
Leadership and Management Development Manager in London employer: DfT Operator
The DfT Operator is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rail sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, team members are supported in achieving both personal and professional goals while contributing to the significant transition to Great British Railways. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leadership and Management Development Manager in London
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like DfT Operator can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like DfT Operator; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like DfT Operator.
We think you need these skills to ace Leadership and Management Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at DfT Operator and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research DfT Operator's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
