Rolling Stock Policy Adviser in London

About DFT Operator

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:

The Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Whole System Strategy team is responsible for producing an overarching strategy for the specification and supply of trains on the network and the infrastructure needed to support them. The strategy will focus on passenger needs while improving rail industry efficiency and environmental performance and improving visibility and certainty to industry supply chains. The new team brings together consideration of the financial, economic, commercial and operational aspects of the rolling stock and infrastructure in the long-term. It includes policy teams on train service, rolling stock, depots and infrastructure, and will work closely with stakeholders in Network Rail, DfT-Operator and others elsewhere in DfT and wider government.

The Train Service, Rolling Stock and Depots policy team will lead the centre of excellence that develops the Government’s agreed approach to providing trains and services that meet passenger needs while driving efficiency in the whole railway system. The team will, in conjunction with stakeholders, develop the future scenarios of train services and associated fleets and depots that meet the strategic objectives set out in the emerging Long Term Strategy for Rail that is being developed by the Rail Reform Team.

The Rolling Stock Policy Adviser has a key role in the development of the strategy, identifying with stakeholders and industry partners the potential choices around rolling stock strategy and specification that facilitate greater integration between rolling stock and infrastructure, improve industry efficiency, improve performance and support delivery of services that best meet the needs of passengers. The role-holder will also work with the rest of the Train Service, Rolling Stock and Depots policy team and the Rail Delivery Policy Unit to support development of a wholistic approach for an interim and future full Whole System Strategy that incorporates train service, rolling stock, depots and performance improvement, balancing pragmatism with challenge of existing practices to improve outcomes. This role will require strong analytical and operational focuses and excellent cross-working capability to ensure the effective involvement of the Region teams, the Rolling Stock Capability Hub, Policy Delivery team and NR.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Rolling Stock Policy and Specification Manager in development of a rolling stock and depot strategy and policies that align with the train service strategy and drives overall efficiency, performance and passenger focus across the industry.
• Provide specialist advice to RSG’s Region Teams to support their effective management of their remaining commercial train operators and the DfTO/NR Alliances.
• Develop and maintain policy for rolling stock specification, including minimum standards for passenger comfort, passenger carrying capacity and key requirements for integration with infrastructure.
• Build strong working relationships with RSG Region teams, train operators, NR and rolling stock companies to support continuous improvement train fleet and maintain alignment to Long Term Strategy for rail.
• Represent DfT at senior industry rolling stock and operations forums including the Fleet Challenge Steering Group.
• Actively promote a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement within RSISS wider Directorate.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:

This role will be developing policy in a highly technical environment with numerous stakeholders where credibility will be important. Experience of the rail industry and the links between train services, rolling stock and depots is essential. Detailed technical knowledge of rolling stock characteristics and contracts is not required but the role requires understanding of the financial impacts of decisions at tactical and strategic levels to ensure the Whole System Strategy genuinely covers all areas. The role holder will also be expected to handle and analyse operational and financial data confidently.

Please ensure that in your application you submit evidence of the following:

• Experience of train service, rolling stock and depot issues.
• Experience of analysing operational and financial data.

Vacancy Details:

• Duration: Permanent or Secondment
• Location: London Waterloo
• Salary: up to £47,052
• 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@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CV's to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.