Chief Superintendent Specialist Operations

British Transport Police; Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the British Transport Police as a Chief Superintendent to lead in specialist operations. This role involves strategic command, ensuring safety on the UK’s rail network, and overseeing tactical operations while championing diversity and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Hold the minimum rank of Superintendent.
• Strategic Firearms Commander or equivalent experience.
• Public Order/Public Safety Gold Commander or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead tactical delivery of specialist capabilities including armed policing and drone operations.
• Oversee VIP movements and civil contingencies planning.
• Engage with national stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic command

Operational credibility

Ethical leadership

Building collaborative relationships

Inspiring teams

Job description

Chief Superintendent Specialist Operations

Join the British Transport Police as a Chief Superintendent – E Division / Specialist Operations. Location options include London, Birmingham, Manchester, or Glasgow, with national travel required. Application window: 16th July – 30th July 2025 (12 noon). Eligibility: Open to internal and external candidates (Promotion, Secondment, or Lateral Transfer).

Lead with Purpose. Serve with Impact.

British Transport Police (BTP) seeks a dynamic, inclusive, and operationally excellent leader to take on the role of Chief Superintendent for our E Division / Specialist Operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of specialist policing across England, Wales, and Scotland—protecting millions of passengers and supporting national resilience.

As a senior leader, you will be at the forefront of delivering our strategy, 'Guardians of the Railway,' ensuring the safety and security of the UK’s rail network through innovative, intelligence-led policing.

What You’ll Lead

• Tactical delivery of specialist capabilities including armed policing, CBRNe response, dog units, and drone operations.
• Oversight of VIP movements, including the Royal Train and over 400 high-profile journeys annually.
• Strategic command of civil contingencies, resilience planning, and force resource planning.
• Partnership engagement with the Department for Transport and other national stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

We want a leader who:

• Embodies our values and champions diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• Demonstrates strategic command, operational credibility, and ethical leadership.
• Builds strong, collaborative relationships across public and private sectors.
• Inspires teams and drives performance in a complex, high-stakes environment.

Essential Requirements

• Hold the minimum rank of Superintendent (substantive).
• Strategic Firearms Commander (or Tactical with willingness to upskill).
• Public Order/Public Safety Gold Commander (or equivalent strategic command experience).
• Chief Officer support in principle.
• Subject to satisfactory completion of SC Vetting process.
• Obtain a PDR rating of 1, 2, 3, or U, or a satisfactory PDR rating in your current force.
• Not be subject to any written improvement notices under the Police (Performance) Regulations 2015 or reduction in rank under Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures (UPP) in the previous 18 months.
• No live written warnings, final written warnings, or extended final written warnings issued under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020.

Selection Process

1. Application & Eligibility Sift
2. People Panel (13 & 14 August, virtual)
3. Final Interview (22 August, London HQ) – includes Insights Discovery assessment to explore leadership style.

Why the British Transport Police?

We are proud to be a progressive, inclusive, and values-led police force. We believe in empowering our people, celebrating individuality, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If you’re ready to lead with integrity and make a national impact, we want to hear from you.