Governance & Assurance Manager

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Network Rail as a leader in the governance and assurance function. In this role, you'll oversee compliance with industry standards and improve organizational processes while contributing to shaping the future of the railway through technology.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets

Up to 75% off leisure travel

Interest-free travel loan

Discounts at stations

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Volunteer leave

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, assurance, and compliance structures.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in implementing Integrated Business Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the governance and assurance function for Network Rail Telecom.
• Define and implement the Route Services Assurance Framework.
• Provide guidance on compliance with standards and policies.

Skills

Governance

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Stakeholder Management

Continuous Improvement

Business Change

Information Governance

Business Writing Skills

Job description

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

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

We offer excellent benefits, including:

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Defined benefit pension scheme.

75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.

Up to 75% off leisure travel.

Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.

Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.

We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments

Plus, more....

Brief Description

The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers. Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.

As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partners with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that are helping to reshape the railway - we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool - it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant.

Join our team within the CIO's office, where you'll play a crucial role in providing confidence and insight into the business's operations and alignment with DDaT Strategic Objectives and our 5-year strategic business plan. You'll collaborate closely with Route Services, DDaT functions, and governance, risk, and assurance practices to develop, implement, and monitor an effective Governance and Assurance Framework. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the right projects are selected, overseeing assurance processes, and managing decommissioning, all while ensuring compliance with NR policies and standards.

Click 'apply for this job' to apply.If you would like to speak the Resourcing Team, please contact [e-mail]

About the role (External)

Main responsibilities:

To lead the Network Rail Telecom (NRT) governance and assurance function, reporting to the Risk, Governance & Business Assurance Manager.

What will you be doing?

Establish and implement governance expertise to Route Services in compliance with Network Rail Core Process Owner (CPO) standards, policies and processes

Define the Route Services Assurance Framework and deliver an Assurance plan of the Route Services Operating Framework, to provide assurance that Route Services delivers in compliance with the Network Rail Governance Operating Manual

Provide advice and guidance to Route Services colleagues on Network Rail policies, standards, procedures, methods and tools and techniques to align Route Services with industry best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and enable competitive analysis and support for devolution agenda

Responsible for demonstrating Route Services compliance to policies and standards emanating from Network Rail or external standards bodies / regulators providing assurance the delivery of governance is common across the Route Services delivery portfolio, to align Route services with industry best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks, and enable competitive analysis and support for devolution agenda and standards

Assist and coordinate audit activity in Route Services, including providing advice and guidance in planning, agreeing, and closing of audit actions within timescales.

Oversee the management of the Group Assurance Letter Process on behalf of Route Services to establish compliance with Corporate GALP requirements and regulatory controls including monitoring and closure of actions arising from any areas of non- compliance

Identify, report and present assurance, compliance and enterprise risk assessments to relevant stakeholders, customers, and senior management, and direct the resolution of any identified non-compliance issues as appropriate

The ideal candidate

Meet the essential criteria/ Apply today to join our team!

Essential

• Demonstrable experience and a broad understanding of governance (including information governance), assurance and compliance structures and frameworks and the knowledge of how to translate this into complex organisations
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrable experience of corporate, data and information governance structures
• Demonstrable experience of implementing Integrated Business Management Systems.
• Experience in delivering business change / continuous improvement programmes.
• Strong English business writing skills.

How to apply (External)

Vacancy type: Permanent, 35 hours per week, Hybrid working of 3 days in the office.

Location: The Quadrant, Milton Keynes

Closing date: 3rd July 2025

Interviews will take place from: 14th July 2025

Band & Salary: Band 3B £46,701 to £53,589

We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-disciplined group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.

At Network Rail, we have a number of employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. We have Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment . For more information on Diversity & Inclusion at Network Rail, please follow this link

Do you consider yourself to have a protected characteristic? If so and you require any additional support with your application, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcer who will happily assist.