Location
London, GB
Department Name
DV People & Culture (639800) G5
About Network Rail
About Network Rail…
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.
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We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments
click here. 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. You can visit
Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Vacancy Details
Duration: Fixed term of up to 2 years with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval, please discuss this with them before applying).
Location: This role is based in London Waterloo/Milton Keynes. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band & Salary: Band 2B (£71,163 - £84,437).
Brief Description
We are looking for an experienced and talented Lead Business Change Manager, who will work closely with the Head of Change on the GBR (Great British Railways) Design and Implementation Programme to lead on our strategy development for the biggest single transformation in the rail sector in a generation. You will be responsible for leading a small, virtual team of specialists to help shape the change strategy, as well as directly line managing a team of business change managers.
About The Role (External)
About the team...
You will be working as part of the programme team that is looking at the design and implementation of GBR. This is a team comprised of people from across the sector, including (but not limited to) DfT, DfTO, and Network Rail. You will be joining the Change Management Office, which is tasked with considering the question of how we will excite, engage, and support the 100,000 people who are going to be coming into GBR when it is created.
What does the average day look like?
Each day is varied and engaging, involving a combination of strategic planning and hands-on collaboration. You’ll take ownership of the change management strategy for the GBR design programme, ensuring it’s fit for purpose and aligned with organisational goals. A typical day includes organising and leading project team meetings, as well as managing a matrix team responsible for delivering change. Regular interaction with a wide range of stakeholders – both internal and external, and across all levels – is central to the role. You’ll also work closely with government partners, drawing on your experience in public sector environments. An in-depth understanding of both business and transformational change underpins your approach, enabling you to drive meaningful, inclusive progress across the programme.
Who are we looking for?
We’re looking for a confident and adaptable change professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments. You’ll have experience developing and owning change management strategies within large-scale programmes, ideally with exposure to government or public sector work. A strong understanding of business and transformational change is essential, alongside the ability to lead and support a matrix team.
You’ll be comfortable navigating uncertainty and ambiguity, applying sound judgement to guide decision-making. Given the high-profile nature of the programme – which carries national and governmental significance – you’ll bring political awareness and resilience under pressure. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must, as you’ll be engaging with senior stakeholders from across the sector, helping to bridge organisational barriers and align differing priorities.
If you're someone who brings people together, drives progress through collaboration, and can see the bigger picture while managing the details, we’d love to hear from you!
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience of leading large-scale business and transformational change initiatives.
- Demonstrable experience of working within or alongside government departments or public sector bodies.
- Experience of working across a range of different organisations, ideally within complex or multi-agency environments.
- Strong track record of managing and communicating effectively with senior stakeholders, including at director level.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant qualifications in business change and/or project or programme management.
- Experience of working in the rail sector or on transport-related programmes.
- Experience of operating within a unionised environment, with an understanding of associated dynamics and considerations.
- A broad range of experience across multiple sectors, bringing diverse perspectives to change delivery.
How To Apply (External)
Additional Information…
Closing date: 21 st July. However, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held on the 1 st of August, depending on business requirements.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision
If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
Some of our great benefits:
🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
Defined benefit pension scheme
🚂 75% subsidy on train tickets.
🎟 ️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
🕊 ️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Plus more….
