At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech strategy for a major rail operator and drive innovation.
- Company: Join Greater Thameslink Railway, the UK's largest rail operator.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating great journeys.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of journeys while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in IT and data within complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Get your career on track with a team where you can grow, belong and make an impact from day one.
About GTR
Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) is the UK's largest rail operator, connecting millions of people through Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services. Through our vision of Creating Great Journeys, we are committed to delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused travel, supporting local communities, and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive.
At GTR, your career is a journey. We offer clear development pathways, progression opportunities and support to help you grow, whether you are starting out or taking the next step in your railway career.
Our Commitment to DEI
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, creating a culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, safe and able to be themselves at work.
What You'll Do
GTR is continuing to go through technology enabled change and transformation supporting their millions of customers annually. To support this journey further the group now wish to appoint their first Director of Systems, Data & AI. This is a critical leadership role accountable for setting and delivering the enterprise wide technology strategy across the organisation. The postholder will take responsibility for ensuring that IT, Data, Analytics and Product Management functions enable the business objectives, including operational resilience, customer experience, financial efficiency and innovation.
The role will lead a highly skilled team that supports 24/7/365 mission-critical systems. You’ll ensure that digital and data infrastructure underpin performance, automation, insight and service delivery across the business. This position will also be accountable for driving continuous improvement in cyber resilience, AI readiness and enterprise product management as part of the wider digital evolution.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Proven experience in leading enterprise-wide IT, data, and/or digital functions in a complex and regulated organisation.
- Strong track record of managing large IT budgets and leading cross-functional teams across infrastructure, support, and innovation functions.
- Experience managing senior internal and external stakeholders including government departments and corporate boards.
- Experience delivering technology transformation initiatives (e.g. cloud migration, ERP, AI pilots, or data platform modernisation).
- Extensive knowledge of enterprise IT operations, data architecture, cloud systems, and digital infrastructure in a 24/7 environment.
- Strong awareness of cybersecurity frameworks, including compliance with NIS Regulations, CSR Bill, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and other industry standards.
- Understanding of data governance, architecture, and analytics platforms (e.g. Azure, Power BI, Snowflake, Databricks).
- Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, automation, IoT, and their relevance to rail operations.
- Background in transport, infrastructure, utilities, or public services highly advantageous.
What You'll Bring
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional and executive teams.
- Strong communication and strategic planning capability, translating complex IT requirements into business-focused strategies.
- Skilled in vendor and contract management, including performance management of major technology suppliers.
- Ability to lead change at scale, particularly in modernising legacy systems and deploying digital platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to manage cybersecurity risk and drive compliance within a regulatory framework.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and act on emerging technology trends that can deliver business value.
What We Can Offer You
At GTR, we are committed to supporting our colleagues both professionally and personally. In return for your skills and dedication, we offer a competitive benefits package including:
- Final salary pension
- Free travel on GTR and sister groups for you and your family
- 75% off travel on other train operating companies for you, and leisure for your family
- Discounted Oyster Card
- Family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
- Access to StarHub – our employee benefits platform offering discounts with a wide range of retailers and services
- Career development and progression opportunities across the UK's largest rail networks
- The opportunity to make a real difference to millions of customer journeys every year.
We will keep candidates informed throughout the process and aim to complete hiring decisions in a timely manner. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback at the application stage.
We look forward to hearing from you and exploring whether GTR could be your next career step.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Director of Systems, Data & AI in London employer: GTR
At GTR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises both professional and personal development. As an Integration Change Lead at our Monument Place location, you will benefit from a competitive salary package, generous holiday allowance, and unique perks such as free travel for you and your family, all while playing a crucial role in transforming the railway experience for millions of customers. Join us to not only advance your career but also to make a meaningful impact in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Systems, Data & AI in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Director of Systems, Data & AI at GTR!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like GTR or be willing to refer you for that Director of Systems, Data & AI position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from GTR who’s on the lookout for their next Director of Systems, Data & AI star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Director of Systems, Data & AI role at GTR!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Systems, Data & AI in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at GTR. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at GTR
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at GTR. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
