Head of Rail Operations

East Riding of Yorkshire Council; Hull Bridge; Remote; GBP 73,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) is seeking an ambitious Head of Rail Operations to shape the Rail Strategy, oversee passenger rail, rail freight and port connectivity, and position the region as a nationally significant rail gateway.

Reporting to the Director of Transport and Connectivity, you will lead engagement with Government departments, Great British Railways, Network Rail and operators to secure investment, deliver decarbonisation, and improve services for residents and

Qualifications

• Significant experience within rail, freight, transport strategy or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of national rail policy and industry reform.
• Experience developing transport strategies and investment programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
• Experience working with Government departments, funding bodies and industry partners.
• Strong political awareness and influencing capability.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of HEYCA's Rail Strategy.
• Shape long-term plans for passenger rail, freight and port connectivity.
• Champion investment in rail infrastructure, stations and network enhancements.
• Lead engagement with Great British Railways, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators.
• Develop robust business cases and funding submissions to secure external investment.
• Promote rail electrification and sustainable transport solutions.
• Lead strategic relationships with Associated British Ports, Humber Freeport and key freight stakeholders.
• Monitor and manage rail performance and advocate for improved services for residents and businesses.
• Build a long-term investment pipeline supporting regional economic growth and connectivity.

Skills

Significant experience within rail,Fre

Strong understanding of national rail

Experience developing transport

Excellent stakeholder management

Experience working with Government

Strong political awareness

Outstanding communication, leadership

Education

Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent industry experience

Job description

This is an external vacancy and is not employment with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

£73,469 - £90,000 per year

Campaign

none

Term Entry

Permanent

Days

Monday to Friday

Address

Hull

Job closes on 15 November

Interview date

Interviews are To be confirmed

Service area

Service area: External

Job reference

Job reference: ERYC009801

Description

The job itself

Shape the Future of Rail, Rail Freight and Port Connectivity

Hull and East Yorkshire is entering a transformative period of investment, growth and opportunity.

As a newly established Combined Authority, HEYCA is at the forefront of delivering the benefits of devolution, creating stronger transport connections, supporting economic growth and unlocking investment across the region.

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced Head of Rail Operations to lead our strategic agenda for passenger rail, rail freight, ports and rail infrastructure, helping to position Hull and East Yorkshire as a nationally significant gateway for trade, investment and sustainable transport.

This is a rare opportunity to influence major transport priorities, shape long-term investment programmes and play a leading role in the future development of rail across the region.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Transport and Connectivity, you will provide strategic leadership across rail operations, rail freight logistics, port connectivity and rail infrastructure investment.

You will lead the delivery of HEYCA's emerging Rail Strategy, champion regional priorities and build strong partnerships with Government, Great British Railways, Network Rail, train operating companies, freight operators, Associated British Ports and Transport for the North.

Working at the heart of nationally important transport developments, you will help secure investment that strengthens connectivity, supports economic growth, advances decarbonisation and unlocks regeneration opportunities across Hull and East Yorkshire.

A key focus of the role will be improving passenger rail services, enhancing freight connectivity and supporting the continued growth of the Humber Freeport and wider Humber economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of HEYCA's Rail Strategy.
• Shape long-term plans for passenger rail, freight and port connectivity.
• Champion investment in rail infrastructure, stations and network enhancements.
• Lead engagement with Great British Railways, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators.
• Develop robust business cases and funding submissions to secure external investment.
• Promote rail electrification and sustainable transport solutions.
• Lead strategic relationships with Associated British Ports, Humber Freeport and key freight stakeholders.
• Monitor and manage rail performance and advocate for improved services for residents and businesses.
• Build a long-term investment pipeline supporting regional economic growth and connectivity.

About You

You will be an experienced transport professional with a strong understanding of rail, and strategic infrastructure planning.

You will be comfortable operating at a senior level, influencing complex stakeholder environments and translating strategic ambition into deliverable programmes.

We are looking for someone who brings -

• Significant experience within rail, freight, transport strategy or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of national rail policy and industry reform.
• Experience developing transport strategies and investment programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
• Experience working with Government departments, funding bodies and industry partners.
• Strong political awareness and influencing capability.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and strategic planning skills.

Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent industry experience are essential.

Why Join HEYCA?

This is a unique opportunity to join a new Combined Authority at a defining moment in its development.

You will have the opportunity to shape major transport investment decisions, influence national conversations around rail reform and electrification, and play a leading role in delivering long-term economic growth and connectivity across Hull and East Yorkshire.

Few roles offer this combination of -

Regional Influence. National Profile. Strategic Leadership. Lasting Impact.

If you are passionate about creating a modern, connected and sustainable transport network, we would love to hear from you.

• Evidence of your relevant achievements and experience
• The contribution you believe you could make to Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority

Closing Date: 15th November 2026

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We value the benefits that different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives bring to our organisation and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment journey to ensure that all candidates have the opportunity to perform at their best. If you require any support or adjustments, please let us know.

At HEYCA, we believe our strength comes from reflecting the diverse communities of Hull and East Yorkshire, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

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