At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change delivery across Member Services, shaping impactful projects and improvements.
- Company: Railpen, a key player in pension administration with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of members while driving meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experienced change leader with a knack for strategic delivery in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for someone to lead our Change Delivery function in a permanent, hybrid position based in Darlington, shaping how improvement and transformation land across Member Services.
Who we are
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
The Role
In this role, you lead the delivery of change across Member Services, shaping how projects, releases, and improvements land across the function. Strategic aims become clear, prioritised plans under your guidance, with a strong focus on operational impact, member outcomes, and value for the organisation. You set the tone for effective governance, ensuring every piece of change is aligned, well‑controlled, and benefits are understood and realised. Working with delivery managers, project managers, release managers, and offshore partners, you create the conditions for smooth, consistent, and well‑resourced delivery. Financial oversight, risk awareness, and performance measurement form part of your day‑to‑day rhythm, making sure change is cost‑effective, data‑driven, and firmly rooted in Railpen’s ways of working. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The Person
You’re an experienced change leader who thrives in complex environments and understands the nuances of transformation, ideally within pension administration or a similar setting. Turning strategic intent into practical delivery is where you’re at your best, and you’re comfortable steering teams through ambiguity to achieve strong outcomes. Influencing and building alignment comes naturally to you. Whether you’re working with senior leaders, delivery teams, or offshore partners, you create clarity, momentum, and confidence. Your approach blends creativity with rigour, willing to explore new ideas while keeping delivery grounded, measured, and effective. Communication is one of your strengths, and you use insight and data to support sound decision‑making. Above all, you bring a member‑first mindset and a commitment to delivering change that makes a tangible difference. Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous annual bonus plan
- Membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- 4x Life Assurance cover
- Colleague referral scheme
Health & Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
Lifestyle
- Support for hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
- Buy and sell holidays
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible half days leave
- Electric vehicle leasing
- Cycle to work scheme
Next Steps
Please apply via the apply button or visit by 5pm Friday 6th February.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Head of Change Delivery employer: Railpen Limited
Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Darlington for the Head of Change Delivery role. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive leave options, and a commitment to professional growth, Railpen fosters a culture of integrity and community. Employees are encouraged to thrive in a hybrid working model, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact on the lives of members and their communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Change Delivery
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Railpen Limited.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Railpen Limited.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Change Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Railpen Limited.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Railpen Limited. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Railpen Limited, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Railpen Limited, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Railpen Limited could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Railpen Limited as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
