At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy development for a £3bn/year rail industry transformation.
- Company: Join the government’s public sector rail owning group, DFTO.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent role based in London with excellent networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail services in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy development and understanding of commercial issues required.
The predicted salary is between 47052 - 47052 £ per year.
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, delivering 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 – LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southern, 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Rapidly getting up to speed with a developing but high‑profile policy area that will bring significant change to the rail industry worth £3bn/year and is critical to the transition to Great British Railways.
- Leading development of key sections of an “interim” rolling stock and infrastructure strategy that provides a framework for decision‑making on rolling stock and infrastructure ahead of the full strategy, enabling IPDC to make decisions worth several hundred millions of pounds.
- Leading a programme of engagement with key internal stakeholders such as the Head of Train Service, Rolling Stock and Depots, and the Head of Network Interfaces to support development of a future rolling stock and infrastructure needs assessment.
- Lead engagement with teams developing various alternative strategies for the supply of rolling stock and associated infrastructure, in line with other industry strategies and DfT policies, particularly the emerging Long Term Rail Strategy, working with and coordinating other workstreams as needed.
- Developing positive working relationships with key stakeholders and using operational stakeholder expertise to inform policy decisions.
Additional Contributions
- Ongoing communication with other teams across RSG and MPRG around rolling stock and infrastructure decisions, to ensure consistency with the interim and emerging strategies.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications
This role requires experience of strategy development and a strong understanding of commercial, financial and economic issues. Rail industry experience is not required. Minimum evidence required:
- Experience of strategy development.
- Experience of analysing commercial, financial and economic issues.
Qualifications & Development
Completion of the Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) Foundation accreditation after joining.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent or Secondment
- Location: London Waterloo
- Salary: up to £47,052
- Closing date: 10th May 2026
Benefits
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 years, up to a maximum of 5 additional days (30 days).
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
Contact
If you have any questions or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Amra Hurley at Amra.Hurley@dftoperator.co.uk.
Senior Strategy Adviser employer: DfT Operator
DFT Operator is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative journey in the rail industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make impactful contributions while enjoying a supportive environment. Located at London Waterloo, this role not only provides a chance to influence significant policy changes but also fosters connections across the wider industry, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategy Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research DFTO's mission and values, and understand their role in the rail industry. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to strategy development and stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DFTO team and contributing to the future of Great British Railways.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategy Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the company. Dive into the job description and get a feel for what they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in with their goals.
Be Clear and Concise:When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We want to see your skills and experience shine through without any fluff getting in the way!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role and the rail industry come through in your writing. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to the transition to Great British Railways. A bit of personality can go a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the rail industry, even if you don't have direct experience. Familiarise yourself with key policies like the Long Term Rail Strategy and how they impact rolling stock and infrastructure. This will show your commitment and ability to adapt.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would build relationships with internal stakeholders. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated with different teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you can leverage stakeholder expertise in decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to talk about your experience in strategy development. Bring specific examples of how you've analysed commercial, financial, or economic issues in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the development of key sections of a strategy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation's goals. Inquire about the challenges DFTO faces in transitioning to Great British Railways and how the Senior Strategy Adviser can contribute to overcoming them.
