Executive Assistant

About Network Rail

Help Shape the Future of Britain's Railway. GBRX is a strategic innovation function within Network Rail, created to tackle the railway's most complex modernisation challenges and unlock system‐wide innovation. Operating with the agility of a start‐up and the authority of a national function, GBRX plays a pivotal role in driving a simpler, better, greener railway.

Location: York, GB

Department Name: GC GBRx indirect (382301) G4

Why Join GBRX?

• Being part of a Network Rail‐hosted team with full access to NR terms, conditions and union representation.
• Hybrid working and modern offices.
• A mission‐driven, innovative culture where ideas and initiative are valued.
• The chance to influence one of the UK's most vital industries at a pivotal moment.

This role requires a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, with occasional travel to London and across the UK. 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

We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and confident Executive Assistant to provide exceptional support to the Managing Director, Toufic Machnouk. This is a unique opportunity to work at the centre of a high‐profile national transformation agenda.

Responsibilities:

• Managing the Managing Director's complex schedule, prioritising commitments, and coordinating internal/external engagements.
• Preparing briefing materials for strategic meetings, board sessions, and ministerial updates.
• Acting as a trusted liaison between the Managing Director and senior figures across government, industry, and innovation partners.
• Supporting internal communications, tracking priorities, and ensuring actions progress across portfolio, policy and delivery teams.
• Handling sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, judgement, and discretion.
• Anticipating needs, solving problems early and enabling smooth, efficient operations.

What You'll Bring:

• Experience supporting C‐suite or senior leaders in a fast‐paced, politically or operationally complex environment.
• Outstanding organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing demands calmly and effectively.
• Confidence in managing confidential information and high‐level interactions with diplomacy, able to influence and negotiate at all levels.
• A proactive, solutions‐focused mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, developing and maintaining internal and external relationships.
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to operate with maturity in ambiguous or evolving situations.

How to Apply

Salary: £42,254-£50,135

Closing date: 05/03/26. Late applications will not be accepted. Click apply now to apply.

This role is based in our York George Stephenson House office. It requires working a minimum of 4 days per week in our York office, with occasional travel to London also required.

Recruitment Process

Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist and Hiring Manager will review your CV. If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be invited to an interview. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Benefits

Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‐employment checks. Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.