Commercial Rail Development Director

DP World; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DP World seeks a visionary Commercial Rail Development Director to lead innovative rail and intermodal strategies in London. This role will expand the company's rail footprint while engaging with key stakeholders to enhance UK logistics efficiency and support sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in rail freight or intermodal logistics.
• Deep understanding of UK railway regulations and capacity management.
• Strong experience in stakeholder negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute DP World UK’s rail and intermodal strategy.
• Engage with Network Rail and government bodies to drive volume growth.
• Own and evolve the Modal Shift Programme.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Acumen

Analytical Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Job description

Commercial Rail Development Director

About the Role

Are you a visionary leader ready to reshape the landscape of UK rail freight? DP World is seeking a dynamic Commercial Rail Development Director to spearhead our ambitious rail and intermodal strategy. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and lead transformative projects that will redefine inland connectivity and logistics efficiency across the country.

In this high-impact role, you’ll be instrumental in expanding our rail footprint, unlocking infrastructure potential, and delivering smart, sustainable growth. From enhancing operations at London Gateway to influencing national policy, your work will directly support the UK’s modal shift and decarbonisation goals.

NOTE: This is a hybrid role and can be based at London Gateway, Thurrock, or our Regional Head Office in Victoria, London. Presence across both sites and visibility is essential.

How you will contribute

1. Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute DP World UK’s rail and intermodal strategy, building a profitable, asset-light rail business that becomes a key player in UK unitised freight.
2. Growth & Innovation: Identify and lead M&A opportunities for inland terminals, and support rail capacity expansion at our ports to enable seamless network integration.
3. Infrastructure Development: Tackle operational limitations, including level crossing constraints, and propose forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Network Rail, infrastructure providers, and government bodies to unlock network capacity and drive volume growth.
5. Modal Shift Champion: Own and evolve our Modal Shift Programme, ensuring its full rollout and effectiveness across London Gateway and beyond.
6. Industry Representation: Be the face of DP World in key forums, engaging with the Department for Transport, TfL, Transport East, Thames Freeport, and other influential stakeholders.

What you will bring

• Proven senior leadership experience in rail freight, intermodal logistics, or transport infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of UK rail commercial and regulatory frameworks, including pathing and capacity management.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in contracted rail services and stakeholder negotiation.
• Background in business development, investment appraisal, and ideally M&A or capital project development.
• Analytical mindset with a sharp eye for detail and problem-solving.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to align diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to navigating complex, fast-paced environments.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market-competitive compensation package.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse, and professional team of more than 103,000 employees spanning 75 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics, and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades. The DP World family comprises Syncreon, Imperial, and P&O.

What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We believe that employees are happiest when they’re empowered to be their true, authentic selves. So, please come as you are. We can’t wait to meet you.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the worldwide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies.

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