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- Tasks: Manage industrial relations and contracts for multiple Train Operating Companies.
- Company: Join the government’s public sector rail owning group, DFTO.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping the future of rail services in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management or industrial relations is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 47052 - 47052 ÂŁ per year.
About DFT Operator
Join Our Team at 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 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 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 and WM Trains. 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
This role is an exciting and demanding position, with great prospects and opportunities for the individual who can effectively take on this role. We’re looking to hire a commercially focused Rail Services Manager to join the Rail Services North West & Industrial Relations team. You’ll manage day to day contract and industrial relations activity across National Rail contracts (including West Coast Partnership/HS2 shadow operator and Avanti West Coast), support wider TOC relationships, and shape pay and working time proposals that deliver reliable service and value for money.
Key Deliverables
- Lead operational support on live industrial relations issues and risks for multiple Train Operating Companies.
- Drive pay and rest day negotiation workstreams, develop multi-year proposals and present evidence‑based recommendations to senior decision makers.
- Deliver concise briefings and weekly industrial relations updates for stakeholders and pay policy partners.
- Maintain accurate contract and case records, ensuring secure and accessible information management.
- Coach and line manage Assistant Rail Services Managers and Rail Services Executives; build capability across the directorate.
- Work flexibly across regional teams and TOCs; travel to operator sites as required.
Why this matters?
You will ensure commercial and operational decisions support reliable passenger services, maximise return on investment, and meet stakeholder expectations during a period of industry transition.
Key Responsibilities
The work will involve, but not be limited to, the following:
- Work with Regional Rail Services Teams within DfTO on emerging and live industrial relation issues and risks.
- Ensure all records are saved and up to date in the shared folder, managing information securely and appropriately.
- Provide weekly updates and support relating to Industrial Relations. Feeding into requests from DfT pay policy team including on briefing and correspondence as required.
- Develop and present evidenced‑based recommendations to senior managers and DfTO approval bodies.
- Lead on specific areas, such as annual pay, rest day working and long term pay proposals. Summarising information succinctly, providing scrutiny and explaining issues in a simple way to senior management, at pace.
- Directly manage, or coach/mentor, Assistant Rail Services Managers and Rail Services Executives in your team and across the Directorate.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications
The Rail Services Manager position is part of the contract management function and is a varied and dynamic role, and it is not possible to characterise a standard day. You will be required to complete the Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) and achieve the accreditation at Foundation level, once in the role.
A successful candidate will have:
- Proven stakeholder management with the ability to influence senior operator and internal stakeholders.
- Experience in contract or supplier management, industrial relations or commercial negotiations.
- Strong written and verbal communication: clear briefings and executive‑level presentations.
- Commercial awareness: able to assess financial, legal and contractual implications.
- Comfortable managing reactive, high‑visibility workloads and leading small teams.
- Resilient, proactive and outcomes‑focused in fast‑moving environments.
- Rail sector experience is desirable but not essential.
Qualifications & Development
You will complete the Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) Foundation accreditation after joining.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent or secondment
- Location: London Waterloo
- Salary: up to ÂŁ47,052
- Closing date: 10th May 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
Additional Information
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Contact
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Amra Hurley at [contact information]. Please do not email any CV's to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Rail Services Manager - Industrial Relations in London employer: DfT Operator
Contact Detail:
DfT Operator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Services Manager - Industrial Relations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DFTO on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Rail Services Manager role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching DFTO's recent projects and initiatives. Show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of improving rail services. Tailor your answers to reflect their goals and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to deliver concise briefings and recommendations, so get comfortable explaining complex ideas simply. Maybe even do a mock presentation with a friend to get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DFTO team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Services Manager - Industrial Relations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in industrial relations and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with the Rail Services Manager role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use bullet points where necessary and keep your language professional yet approachable – we love a good balance!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any previous roles that involved stakeholder management or commercial negotiations. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to influence and lead, so make it stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other exciting opportunities we have on offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Rail Services Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key deliverables and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Understanding the nuances of industrial relations and contract management will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Examples
Since the role involves presenting evidence-based recommendations, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships or led negotiations. Be ready to discuss these situations clearly and concisely, showcasing your ability to influence senior decision-makers.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this position. Practise summarising complex information succinctly. You might even want to prepare a mock briefing or presentation to demonstrate your ability to convey important updates effectively, just like you would in the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility
The job requires working flexibly across regional teams and TOCs. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing environments in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've successfully managed reactive workloads or led small teams, as this will show your resilience and proactive approach.