National Decarbonisation Manager

NETWORK RAIL; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

28 days leave

Rail discounts

Pension scheme

Train ticket subsidy

Travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a decarbonisation professional to lead and embed national procedures, drive decarbonisation projects, and collaborate with teams across the organisation and with its supply chain to turn strategy into action. You will review performance data, identify risks and opportunities, and support informed decision making, while training others and propagating best practices.

The role sits within Network Rail's sustainability agenda, offering a collaborative environment with

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification (minimum level 6) in decarbonisation or sustainability (or equivalent through experience)
• Practitioner member of relevant professional body (e.g., ISEP)
• Proven experience delivering decarbonisation benefits
• Proven experience of successful engagement with internal and external stakeholders
• Significant understanding of the legal framework for infrastructure decarbonisation issues
• Ability to influence decision makers at all levels

Skills

Decarbonisation expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Change leadership

Education

Degree in decarbonisation/sustainability

Job description

Who We Are

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.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 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. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

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

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent

Salary: Band 3C, £55,596 - £67,813

Some of our great benefits:

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
  
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
  
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
  
• Defined benefit pension scheme
  
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
  
• Interest‑free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
  
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
  

Plus more....

About the role

What does the average day look like?

No two days are the same in this role. You might start by providing expert advice on decarbonisation to ensure projects and plans align with legislation and standards, then move into shaping and embedding national procedures that drive consistency across the business. A big part of your day will be leading and progressing key decarbonisation projects, working closely with teams across Network Rail and the supply chain to turn strategy into action. You'll review performance data to track progress, identify risks and opportunities, and support better decision making, while also building strong relationships with stakeholders, regulators and partners. Alongside this, you'll help grow capability across the organisation through training and knowledge sharing, championing best practice and steadily embedding a culture where decarbonisation is part of everyday thinking.

A little bit about the team...

You'll be part of a passionate, forward‑thinking team at the heart of Network Rail's sustainability agenda, working with experts who are committed to driving real environmental change across the railway. The team brings together a mix of technical specialists and strategic thinkers, all focused on reducing carbon and improving performance at a national level. It's a collaborative, supportive environment where ideas are shared openly, challenges are tackled together and everyone is encouraged to bring fresh thinking. You'll work closely with colleagues across the business, as well as external partners, giving you great exposure and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact as part of a team that is shaping the future of sustainable rail.

Next Steps

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 28th September, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision, as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail

All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.

Your experience and skills

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for a confident and driven decarbonisation professional who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to influence and inspire others. You'll bring a relevant degree or equivalent experience, ideally alongside professional membership, and a proven track record of delivering tangible decarbonisation outcomes. You're comfortable navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks and can build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally. Organised and resilient, you're able to prioritise across competing demands, communicate complex issues clearly (verbally and written) and lead challenging business change initiatives with clarity and confidence.. A background in rail would be a bonus - but most importantly, you're passionate about making a real impact and embedding decarbonisation into everyday decision making.

Essential Criteria

• Degree level qualification (minimum level 6) in relevant subject such as decarbonisation or sustainability (or equivalent through experience)
• Practitioner member of relevant professional body (e.g., ISEP)
• Proven experience delivering work demonstrating decarbonisation benefits
• Proven experience of successful engagement with internal and external stakeholders
• Significant understanding of the legal framework for infrastructure decarbonisation issues
• Ability to influence decision makers at all levels

Desirable

• Good knowledge of decarbonisation within the context of the rail industry
• Level 7 qualification (postgraduate) in decarbonisation or other relevant subject (or equivalent through experience)