At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate leadership programmes and develop management capabilities across the organisation.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life balance, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to developing great leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on leadership excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivering corporate leadership training and strong team collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Who We Are
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.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Duration: Secondment or Fixed Term Contract of 9 months with the potential to extend or go permanent.
About the role
No two days are the same. One day, you could be facilitating a leadership development programme or running a strategic workshop with senior managers; the next, you may be reviewing learning outcomes, developing new programme content or working with stakeholders to identify future capability needs. You’ll engage with leaders across the business, balancing operational priorities with long-term leadership strategy. Being comfortable navigating ambiguity, adapting your approach to different audiences and environments, and providing constructive challenge when needed is key.
Whether supporting leadership discussions, contributing to strategic planning cycles, or helping managers develop the skills to lead high-performing teams, you’ll be at the centre of shaping leadership excellence across the organisation.
A little bit about the team...
You’ll join a collaborative and highly engaged team responsible for developing leadership capability across one of the UK's largest and most complex organisations. The team works closely with senior leaders, HR colleagues and stakeholders from across the business to ensure leadership development supports both current and future organisational needs. Made up of experienced learning and development professionals, the team takes pride in delivering impactful programmes, providing expert advice and driving continuous improvement.
You’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about developing great leaders, fostering high performance and creating positive outcomes for employees, teams and the wider business.
Next Steps
CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 28th September, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.
We're looking for an experienced leadership and management development professional who combines credibility, influence and emotional intelligence. You will be an engaging facilitator with a proven track record of delivering corporate leadership programmes and developing management capability within large, complex organisations. You will be naturally curious, comfortable operating in situations where there is uncertainty, and able to see the bigger picture while managing competing priorities.
You will know how to communicate difficult messages with diplomacy and tact, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders while confidently providing challenge and alternative perspectives. As a strong team leader, you’ll be passionate about developing others, creating an engaging environment where people can perform at their best, and motivating colleagues to achieve shared goals. You’ll have the confidence to lead strategic sessions, influence decision-making and deputise for senior leaders when required.
- Experience of successfully delivering corporate level leadership and management training.
- Organisational skills and sound planning ability.
- Excellent team working skills.
- Experience of working in complex change-oriented environments with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience of learning programme design and development.
Key Information
- Number of Positions: 1
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term
- Hours: Full Time
- Location: The Quadrant:MK, Milton Keynes
- Closing Date: 17-SEP-2026
- Job Category: HR and Legal
- Function: Human Resources
Leadership & Management Development Consultant in Milton Keynes employer: NETWORK RAIL
Network Rail is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to vital infrastructure projects in the UK. The supportive culture and commitment to maintaining accurate data ensure that your role as a Data & SharePoint Support Specialist is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leadership & Management Development Consultant in Milton Keynes
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at NETWORK RAIL!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at NETWORK RAIL.
We think you need these skills to ace Leadership & Management Development Consultant in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at NETWORK RAIL. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to NETWORK RAIL and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at NETWORK RAIL. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to NETWORK RAIL's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at NETWORK RAIL
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with NETWORK RAIL.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at NETWORK RAIL will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact NETWORK RAIL and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
