Chief of Development

ALSTOM Gruppe; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 52 weeks maternity/adoption pay

Job summary

Alstom in Derby is seeking a Chief of Development to lead the innovation, design and delivery of rail technologies for a major UK rolling stock contract.

You will partner with the Project Manager/Director as the technical authority, own development work packages and drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations and commercial teams to ensure timely, compliant delivery with robust QA practices.

Qualifications

• Combines project management, product development and leadership expertise.
• Solving complex problems with timely, effective decisions.
• Strong leadership to guide teams on technical direction and QCD targets.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional activities with diverse stakeholders in multicultural environments.
• Drives Operational Excellence across development activities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Project Manager/Director as the customer-facing technical authority, ensuring contractual compliance, train-level Development Work Package QCD and progress reporting.
• Own development work packages, QCD objectives, technical compliance, progress reporting and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate project teams, sites and product platforms to secure deliverables, resolve technical gaps and drive key decisions.
• Drive scalable development strategies to support large-scale, multi-site rail projects and future-proof our technology portfolio.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between engineering, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Champion reliability by implementing robust quality assurance frameworks and risk mitigation processes across all development phases.
• Lead innovation initiatives, integrating emerging technologies and best practices to maintain Alstom’s industry leadership.

Skills

Project management

Product development

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Problem solving

Job description

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Chief of Development

Date: 1 Oct 2026

Company: Alstom

Location: Derby (full time, onsite)

Appointment Basis: Permanent

Apply by: 15/10/2026

Salary: circa £90,000 DOE plus bonus and excellent benefits

Chief of Development in Derby

At Alstom, we build what millions depend on daily - rail transportation systems that can't afford to fail. We're more than 85,000 people worldwide creating the industry's most diverse portfolio: high-speed trains, metros, trams, maintenance services and integrated systems.

More Than a Job: A Mission

Join us as Chief of Development and lead the innovation, design, and delivery of transformative rail technologies that will define the next generation of mobility.

Note:

This opportunity relates to a major UK rolling stock contract based in Derby. The role is being recruited in anticipation of the contract award, and any appointment will be conditional upon Alstom being awarded the contract. Further details, including anticipated start dates, will be discussed with candidates as the recruitment process progresses.

Your Role, Your Impact

• Partner with the Project Manager/Director and project team as the customer-facing technical authority, ensuring contractual compliance, train-level Development Work Package QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) and progress reporting.
• Own development work packages, QCD objectives, technical compliance, progress reporting and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate project teams, sites and product platforms to secure deliverables, resolve technical gaps and drive key decisions.
• Drive scalable development strategies to support large-scale, multi-site rail projects and future-proof our technology portfolio.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between engineering, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Champion reliability by implementing robust quality assurance frameworks and risk mitigation processes across all development phases.
• Lead innovation initiatives, integrating emerging technologies and best practices to maintain Alstom’s industry leadership.

You'll work with sharp, committed teams solving complex challenges that shape the future of mobility, ensuring seamless integration of business and technology.

What You Bring

• Combines project management, product development and leadership expertise.
• Skilled at solving complex problems and making timely, effective decisions.
• Strong leadership skills to lead teams around technical direction and QCD targets.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional activities and diverse stakeholders in multicultural environments.
• Drives Operational Excellence principles and ways of working across development activities.

How Success Is Measured

• Achievement of project delivery timelines and alignment with strategic business goals.
• Strength of cross-functional collaboration and effectiveness in team leadership.
• Reduction in defects, operational risks, and continuous improvement in development efficiency.

Alstom, A Great Place to Grow

• Pioneering digital and sustainable technologies driving the future of mobility.
• Make a global impact from our Derby office, contributing to projects worldwide.
• Advance your career through continuous learning, leadership development, and international opportunities.
• Perks and Benefits:
• Up to 52 weeks full maternity and adoption pay.

Here, progress isn't always easy, but the impact is real. Because the scale is massive, the tasks are complex when the system runs, the train moves, and the city connects that feeling stays with you. And the legacy lasts.

Equal opportunity statement:

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law.

As a 'Disability Confident' employer, we will interview all disabled job applicants who match the essential criteria of the job description or specification. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.