Director, Public Affairs & Reform Engagement

Network Rail; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 129,000; Full time

Job summary

An organization in the rail industry is seeking a Director of Public Affairs & Reform Engagement. This pivotal role involves leading a team to drive public affairs and policy initiatives that support significant reforms within the railway sector. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior-level experience in public affairs, develop strategic relationships across government and industry, and possess strong leadership and communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits including annual leave and travel incentives.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus statutory days

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets

Interest-free travel loans for season tickets

Volunteer leave

Qualifications

• Senior leader with extensive experience in public affairs or policy, ideally in rail.
• Ability to drive collaborative strategies for public affairs.
• Strong relationships with government and industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team in public affairs and policy.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Champion reforms to create a modern and efficient railway.

Skills

Extensive experience at a senior level within public affairs or policy

Proven ability to shape and lead collaborative strategies

Strong relationships across Westminster and Whitehall

Ability to inspire and lead teams through change

Excellent written and spoken communication skills

Natural curiosity and drive

Job description

As Director, Public Affairs & Reform Engagement, you'll be a key voice in this transformation. You'll lead a high-performing team working collaboratively across the rail industry to set the agenda for public affairs and policy, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government and industry, and champion the reforms that will create a modern, efficient railway with passengers at its heart.

We're seeking a strategic, collaborative senior leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about making a difference. You'll bring:

• Extensive experience at a senior level within public affairs or policy, ideally with a background in rail, infrastructure, or an industry undergoing significant transformation.
• A proven ability to shape and lead collaborative, cross-industry public affairs and engagement strategies that drive real change.
• Strong relationships across Westminster and Whitehall, and the ability to quickly build credibility with senior stakeholders across industry and government.
• The ability to inspire and lead teams through change.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Natural curiosity, drive, and a strong track record of driving progress in complex environments.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. For more information, visit our careers site.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

This is a pivotal moment for Britain's railways. With landmark reforms underway, Network Rail is leading the way in transforming how our industry serves millions of people and businesses every day. This is your opportunity to be at the heart of change‑helping to define the future of rail for generations to come.

Salary: Band & Salary: Band 1B (£97,850 - £116,101, up to £129,000 depending on experience)

Closing date: 21st January. - Late applications will not be accepted.

Our Commitment

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

Benefits

You’ll enjoy generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy or sell days, discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass, a defined benefit pension scheme, a 75% subsidy on train tickets, interest‑free travel loans for train and car park season tickets, volunteer leave to make a positive impact, and more.