Head of Performance, Planning and Standards

Transport for London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final salary pension

Free travel on TfL network

30 days annual leave

Hybrid working 50% office

Job summary

Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a Head of Performance, Planning and Standards to lead the SPE Directorate in London. The role ensures governance, planning, performance management and risk oversight across a large, complex transport network.

You will drive data-informed decisions, manage cross‑functional teams and align priorities with TfL’s safety, policing and enforcement goals.

Qualifications

• Senior leader with experience in security, policing or transport sectors.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and governance.
• Experience delivering performance improvements across complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for planning, resourcing, governance and standards.
• Oversee performance management, policy and supplier governance.
• Collaborate with TfL and external stakeholders to shape SPE direction.
• Drive evidence-based decision making through data and analytics.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance

Performance management

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Job description

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Head of Performance, Planning and Standards

Location: Palestra, Surface Transport Corp

Company: TfL, GLA or OPDC

Reporting into – Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement

Contract – Full time

Vacancy type – Permanent

Band - 5

Location – Palestra with upto 50% hybrid working

About Us

At Transport for London (TfL), we keep one of the world's busiest and most complex transport networks moving safely and securely every day. Our Security, Policing & Enforcement (SPE) Directorate plays a critical role in protecting customers, colleagues, services and infrastructure across London's transport system.

SPE brings together specialist expertise in security, policing, enforcement, intelligence, analysis and policy to reduce risk, improve public confidence and support the delivery of safe, secure, reliable and accessible transport for everyone. We are committed to innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement, delivering the greatest value for London and ensuring everyone who works for on travels on TfL services feels safe and is secure.

About the Role

As Head of Performance, Planning and Standards, you will provide strategic leadership for the functions that enable our Security, Policing & Enforcement Directorate to operate as a high performing, integrated organisation. You will lead the development and management of directorate wide planning, resourcing, governance, performance management, standards, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance, ensuring our priorities, resources and capabilities are aligned to deliver the best outcomes for TfL and London.

Working as a key member of the SPE Leadership Team, you will oversee the Directorate’s performance management, policy and standards, business and workforce planning, technology and data, intelligence and analytics, and the governance of significant commercial contracts and supplier relationships. You will use insights and evidence to drive decision making, improve operational effectiveness and ensure strong accountability across the directorate.

This is a highly influential leadership role, requiring close collaboration with senior stakeholders across TfL and external suppliers. You will help shape the future direction of SPE while fostering a culture of professionalism, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

About You

You are an accomplished senior leader with experience operating in a large, complex and ever-changing environment, ideally within security, policing, enforcement, transport, public safety or another operationally focused sector. You have a strong track record of delivering strategic planning, governance and performance improvement, while successfully leading across organisational boundaries and through influence.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading business change programmes, business planning, governance, compliance and performance functions.
• Strong commercial and contractual oversight skills, with an understanding of risk management, supplier performance and value for money.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility at senior and executive levels.
• Experience using data, intelligence and performance insight to support decision-making and drive organisational improvement.
• The ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, balance competing priorities and create alignment across complex stakeholder groups.
• Sound judgement, political awareness and a commitment to maintaining the highest professional, ethical and governance standards.

Most importantly, you’ll be a collaborative and inclusive leader who embodies TfL's values of being Open and Adaptable, helping us build a safer, more secure and more resilient transport network for London.

Application Process

Please submit a CV no more than 2 pages and a 1 page covering letter (both in Arial, font size 12) in a PDF format.

We will be holding a Spotlight session with the hiring manager on the 6th November at 2pm. To be added to this event please email [e-mail].

The closing date for applications is 13th November 2026

For more information or for a copy of the job description, please email [e-mail]

We anticipate for interviews to commence the week commencing the 30th of November.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

Our city. Made better by you.

TfL is a place that’s open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It’s a place where you’re encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.

Vetting Process

At Transport for London, safety, trust and fairness sit at the heart of how we recruit. Our Vetting Charter explains the checks we may carry out before you join us, helping ensure we create a safe, inclusive and reliable network for everyone who depends on our services. We simply ask that the information you provide is honest and accurate so we can progress your application smoothly. If something doesn’t match or can’t be verified, we may not be able to move forward with your application, but we’ll always treat you with transparency, respect, and clear communication throughout.

VISA Sponsorship

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory right-to-work checks. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. At the present time TfL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Hybrid Working

Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the level of role and business area but mostly include:

• Final salary pension scheme.
• Free travel for you on the TfL network.
• Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket.
• 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays.
• TfL is committed to work-life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow. 50% time in the office.
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme.
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers.
• Discounted Eurostar travel.
• TfL employees can access electric vehicles through salary sacrifice, making them more affordable. Whether brand-new or preloved, the scheme helps you save on tax and NI while making a greener choice.

Terms and conditions:

NPL Applications

Applications to internally advertised roles can only be accepted from temporary workers who are on PAYE terms via agency, or PAYE via Umbrella Companies. Temporary workers who are paid through their own limited companies are not covered by the Agency Worker Regulations and are ineligible to apply.

NPL members of staff are not eligible to apply to secondment opportunities.