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- Tasks: Lead a team to shape GTR's strategic relationships and influence railway decisions.
- Company: Join GTR, the heart of Britain's busiest rail network, committed to better journeys.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while enjoying a collaborative culture and career growth.
- Why this job: Drive change in the rail industry and see your work directly improve customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and strong understanding of rail regulations and commercial structures.
- Other info: Opportunity for industry secondment and to influence national rail policy.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Shape the future of Britain's busiest rail network. Lead the team that drives GTR's strategic relationship with Network Rail. Make a real impact on how millions travel every day. At GTR, we're passionate about delivering a better railway for our customers and communities. And to do that, we need bold thinkers, collaborative leaders, and experts who know how to make big things happen.
We're now looking for a Head of Access & Regulatory, a pivotal leadership role at the very heart of our network. If you thrive in complex environments, can influence at the highest levels, and want to see the direct impact of your work across performance, investment, major programmes and the customer experience… this is your opportunity.
What You'll Do
As our Head of Access & Regulatory, you'll lead a talented team of five specialists, setting their direction and championing their development. You'll be the strategic force behind GTR's contractual and regulatory relationships - ensuring we get the best from our £300m+ track and station access obligations. Your work will shape major decisions across the railway. You'll:
- Lead and inspire a team of experts, supporting their growth and setting stretching objectives.
- Build powerful relationships with Network Rail - unlocking issues, resolving impasses, and driving shared success.
- Collaborate across GTR, helping colleagues understand the contractual levers that strengthen our performance and financial outcomes.
- Guide financial recovery strategy, ensuring the best value for GTR and our customers.
- Lead complex dispute resolution through adjudication, mediation, and arbitration.
- Shape the regulatory environment, providing strategic evidence and insight into industry changes.
- Assess and negotiate major funding agreements, securing favourable terms and mitigating commercial risk.
This is a role with real influence. You'll guide how GTR works with its most significant supplier - directly impacting the reliability, quality and future of our network.
What We're Looking For
You'll bring a mix of commercial acumen, industry knowledge and strategic leadership, including:
- Degree‑level education
- In‑depth understanding of the rail industry's regulatory, commercial, and funding structures
- Strong financial awareness - and a history of successful financial recovery from Network Rail
- Experience with Access Dispute Resolution Rules
- Appreciation of rail engineering and operations
- A strategic mindset with the confidence to act proactively
- Ability to influence, negotiate and build relationships at senior levels
- Proven commercial successes at a senior level
- Skilled at navigating complex scenarios and securing positive outcomes
Please note this role is open to an industry secondment.
Why Choose GTR?
Because your work will matter. You'll shape national rail policy, influence multi‑million‑pound decisions, and play a key part in how GTR delivers better journeys, better stations, and a better railway for all. You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and expertise, where your ideas and leadership will make a difference from day one.
Ready to lead change across Britain's busiest rail network? Apply today and help us build a better railway for the future.
Head of Access & Regulatory (3373) employer: GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway)
Contact Detail:
GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Access & Regulatory (3373)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend rail industry events or webinars to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door. Remember, it’s all about who you know, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GTR and its relationship with Network Rail. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help solve them. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role, but a fit for our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Access & Regulatory, you’ll need to influence and build relationships at senior levels. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Access & Regulatory (3373)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the rail industry and your strategic leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Access & Regulatory.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes, especially in financial recovery and dispute resolution. We love seeing how you’ve made a real impact in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences, as we appreciate direct communication that gets to the heart of what you can bring to GTR.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of Britain’s rail network!
How to prepare for a job interview at GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the rail industry's regulatory and commercial structures. Brush up on Access Dispute Resolution Rules and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with GTR's needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and inspire teams. Think about times when you've set objectives, supported team growth, or navigated complex scenarios successfully.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your relationship-building skills by discussing past experiences where you've collaborated with senior stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you can unlock issues and drive shared success with Network Rail.
✨Think Strategically
Come prepared with insights into how you would shape the regulatory environment at GTR. Show that you can think proactively and provide strategic evidence that influences major decisions across the railway.
