Director of Systems, Data & AI – GTR

Women in Rail; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Thameslink Railway is seeking its first Director of Systems, Data & AI to define and deliver the organisation’s technology strategy, ensuring IT, data, analytics and product management enable operational performance and customer experience.

You will lead a 24/7, mission-critical technology function, drive cloud adoption, automation and AI, strengthen cyber resilience and governance, and engage with executives, regulators and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Experience leading enterprise IT, data and digital functions in complex, regulated environments.
• Expertise in cloud platforms, data architecture and digital infrastructure.
• Strong cyber security governance and regulatory compliance knowledge.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement at executive/board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide technology, data and AI strategy.
• Oversee IT, data, analytics and product management functions.
• Drive technology transformation initiatives including cloud adoption and AI.
• Build and lead a high-performing team delivering innovation and improvements.

Skills

Enterprise IT leadership

Cloud platforms

Data architecture

Cyber security & governance

Stakeholder engagement

Supplier management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Shape the future of technology, data and AI, leading digital transformation and innovation across a business serving millions of customer journeys each year.

Greater Thameslink Railway is continuing its technology and digital transformation journey and is seeking its first Director of Systems, Data & AI. This is a critical executive leadership role responsible for defining and delivering the organisation’s technology strategy, ensuring IT, data, analytics and product management capabilities support operational performance, customer experience, financial efficiency and innovation.

Leading a highly skilled team responsible for mission-critical systems operating 24/7, you will drive digital transformation, strengthen cyber resilience, enhance data and AI capabilities, and ensure technology enables long‑term business objectives across one of the UK’s most complex transport operations.

What you’ll be doing

You will:

• Lead the enterprise‑wide technology, data and AI strategy across the organisation.
• Oversee IT, data, analytics and product management functions, ensuring they support business and customer objectives.
• Drive technology transformation initiatives, including cloud adoption, digital modernisation, automation and AI.
• Ensure resilience, security and performance across critical operational systems.
• Lead improvements in cyber security, data governance and enterprise architecture.
• Develop strategies that maximise the value of data, analytics and emerging technologies.
• Manage significant technology budgets, supplier relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Engage with executive stakeholders, regulators, industry partners and suppliers to support business priorities.
• Build and lead a high‑performing team that delivers innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

About you

You will be an experienced technology leader with a strong track record of leading enterprise‑wide IT, data and digital functions within a complex and regulated environment.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience across technology, data, digital or transformation functions.
• Expertise in enterprise IT operations, cloud platforms, data architecture and digital infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of cyber security, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Commercial, financial and supplier management expertise.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at Executive and Board level.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to identify and implement emerging technologies that deliver tangible business value.

Experience within transport, infrastructure, utilities or another operationally critical environment would be advantageous.

The opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of technology, data and AI within the UK’s largest rail operator. As a member of the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in driving digital transformation, enabling innovation and helping deliver better outcomes for millions of customer journeys every year.