Account Manager (CTO)

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

About the role:

No two days are the same. One day could involve engaging with academic institutions to explore research opportunities, coordinating meetings with industry partners or preparing submissions for innovation competitions. Another may focus on developing partnership plans, reviewing project benefits, managing stakeholder expectations or supporting communications that showcase the value of ongoing innovation initiatives.

A key element of the role is coordinating activity across multiple stakeholders, ensuring actions are progressing, deadlines are met and opportunities are maximised. Success often relies on influencing and bringing people together rather than directly delivering technical outputs yourself.

The role requires excellent planning, organisation and relationship management skills, with the ability to keep multiple workstreams moving forward while managing competing priorities and challenging timescales.

A little bit about the team:

You will join Network Rail's Chief Technology Office, a team of around 90 colleagues dedicated to shaping the future of the railway through innovation, technology and industry collaboration. The team works closely with rail partners, academic institutions, government bodies and suppliers to identify opportunities, develop solutions and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Collaboration is at the heart of everything they do, creating an environment where ideas, expertise and innovation can thrive.

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside technical specialists, industry leaders and research partners while helping to influence the future direction of rail technology across the UK and internationally.

Next Steps:

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 24th August 2026, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision, as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail.

We are looking for a highly organised and relationship-focused professional who enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders and building partnerships that create long-term value. You will have strong stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence people at all levels and build trust quickly. Experience managing partnerships, projects, programmes or customer relationships within a complex environment will be highly beneficial.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable handling multiple priorities, coordinating activity across different organisations and working to tight deadlines. You will also have the ability to simplify complex technical or business information and communicate it clearly to diverse audiences.

• Educated to higher level education, or equivalent qualification in a project management or business management discipline, or demonstrable professional experience
• Successfully able to influence and manage stakeholders, internal and external at all levels
• Excellent communication and presentational skills
• Proven track record of project management delivery
• Strong negotiations skills with the ability to understand customer needs
• Experience in a customer facing role with a proven track record of meeting KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
• Demonstrable experience of strong networking capabilities
• Railway industry knowledge, including experience of implementing or management of commercial contracts
• Knowledge and experience of investment regulations and budget management
• Experience of producing benefits case justification for projects