Functional Audit Manager (Regions)

Network Rail; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A major railway organization in the UK is seeking a Functional Audit Manager to lead the regional audit team and oversee compliance with key standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a Lead Auditor, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior management. This hybrid role is based in London and offers a competitive salary plus benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Defined benefit pension

Travel discounts

Qualifications

• Experienced Lead Auditor required for the role.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills needed.
• Willing to travel across the Southern region for audit delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the regional audit team and manage externally provided audit resources.
• Develop and execute regional audits, ensuring compliance.
• Prepare and present comprehensive audit reports to senior leadership.

Skills

Lead Auditor experience

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Education

Lead Auditor qualification (ISO standards)

Job description

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, wee dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace and to supporting ED&I commitments. We value flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. We are Disability Confident Leaders and will accommodate needs throughout the recruitment process.

Brief Description

The Southern Governance, Risk and Assurance (GRAI) team are seeking a highly skilled and experienced (Functional) Audit Manager to lead the regional audit team and any externally provided audit resource, and contribute to the overall assurance strategy and efficiency of the Southern region. You will lead and direct an audit team, oversee internal operating controls, processes, and practices, ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Quality, Environment and Asset Management Systems, technical standards, and provide insights to the GRAI leadership team and senior management within the Region and Integrated Business Units.

About the role (External)

• Support the development, management and implementation of the regional three lines of defence (3LoD) Integrated Assurance Plan, as part of the wider regional assurance team, identifying risks and evaluating the adequacy of internal controls.
• Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of regional audits such as the Management Self Assurance (MSA) (1st LoD) and/or the Regional Functional Audit Plan (2nd LoD), and coordinate 3rd LoD assurance activities as needed, across the Region and our Integrated Business Units.
• Design, lead, and manage the delivery of audit and assurance services across the Region. Define audit scope and objectives in line with organisational priorities and regulatory requirements. Oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of audits, ensuring findings are clearly communicated and acted upon. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote transparency, strengthen governance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage and develop a high-performing audit team, providing guidance, support, and performance reviews.
• Conduct detailed analysis of assurance and risk data to identify trends, inefficiencies, insights and areas for improvement, working closely with the GRAI and regional improvement teams.
• Prepare comprehensive audit reports, presenting key findings, insights, risks, opportunities for improvement and actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with relevant internal policies, external regulations, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with Integrated Business Units and Regional functions to understand business processes, emerging risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Manage the arrangements for direct reports safety and competence.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Experienced Lead Auditor
• Lead Auditor qualification, preferably in ISO management system standards (e.g. 9001, 45001, 14001 and 55001)
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisational skills at a senior level

• Demonstrable leadership skills, with the ability to supervise and mentor a team effectively.
• The job holder needs to be willing to travel across the Southern region to support audit delivery.

Desirable

• Knowledge of maintenance or operations management, processes and techniques.
• Good understanding of the railway industry.
• Membership of a professional institute such as the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH)
• A strong understanding of risk assessment and internal control frameworks.

Salary

£55,596 - £65,966 per annum, plus an Inner London allowance of £3,270 per annum, pro rata, and many benefits.

The role is based in London Puddle Dock, hybrid working with minimum 3 days in the office.

How to apply (External)

Closing date: 16 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. We reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.

We are an organisation where people matter and offer excellent benefits, including generous annual leave, a defined benefit pension, travel discounts and more. We are proud to be recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality and are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds and skills. We have Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and networks to support an inclusive environment.

Do you have a protected characteristic? If you require additional support with your application, please contact the Resourcer.

Drugs and Alcohol Standard: Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard applies as of 16.01.2023. Prospective candidates who have not been offered a conditional role by that date will undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Positive results will be securely held and may lead to a 5-year suspension from applying for safety-critical roles. Network Rail adheres to BPSS pre-employment vetting and screening requirements. Employment is subject to meeting BPSS standards.

Closing date: 16 October 2025. We may close the advert before the listed date based on application volumes.