Head of Rail Build - Circet UK
Office-Based with Site & Client Travel | Full-Time | Senior Leadership Role
Lead Strategic Delivery Across UK Rail Telecoms Infrastructure - Join Circet UK
Circet UK is seeking a commercially focused and operationally astute Head of Rail Build to oversee the successful execution of major telecoms and infrastructure projects within the UK rail sector. This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to executive leadership, with end-to-end responsibility for operational delivery, performance, and compliance across national rail frameworks and projects.
You will play a critical role in developing and implementing industry-best delivery practices, ensuring regulatory and safety compliance, and driving innovation within Circet's growing rail division.
What You'll Be Doing
* Lead the operational delivery of telecoms and infrastructure build programmes across the UK rail sector
* Take full P&L ownership for regional and national rail projects, ensuring financial performance and cost control
* Direct all stages of project lifecycle - mobilisation, execution, and closeout - with a focus on efficiency and risk mitigation
* Ensure full compliance with Network Rail and industry-specific safety, quality, and regulatory standards
* Develop and evolve the delivery structure, processes, and systems for Circet Rail - aligned with commercial strategy
* Build and lead high-performing, safety-driven rail delivery teams and subcontractor partners
* Represent Circet in high-level engagements with rail clients, delivery partners, and industry regulators
* Implement structured governance frameworks including programme tracking, CVRs, risk reviews, and stakeholder reporting
* Drive operational innovation - including new build methods, digitalisation, and process optimisation
* Improve rail-specific delivery models with a focus on safety, efficiency, and regulatory adherence
* Manage work stack delivery across multiple rail frameworks - including forecasting, resource planning, and productivity optimisation
* Strengthen Circet's position in the UK rail market through proactive engagement, quality delivery, and client satisfaction
* Champion "Right First Time" and safety-first cultures across all rail delivery operations
* Coordinate with commercial, procurement, and project teams to align scope, resources, supply chain and risk controls
What You'll Need
Experience
* 10+ years' experience in rail infrastructure, telecoms, or utilities delivery, with at least 5 years in a senior operational leadership role
* Deep understanding of Network Rail standards, regulations, and delivery environments (e.g. GRIP/PACE frameworks)
* Proven track record delivering complex telecoms or civils projects within a rail context
* Experience managing P&L, commercial risk, and performance reporting for multimillion-pound rail contracts
Skills & Attributes
* Strategic thinker with deep operational delivery expertise in regulated environments
* Excellent leadership and communication skills with strong client and stakeholder management
* Strong working knowledge of railway health & safety legislation, possession planning, and compliance processes
* Ability to influence and lead in high-pressure, multi-stakeholder rail environments
* Organised, detail-driven and commercially focused with strong decision-making capability
* Comfortable managing hybrid delivery models including subcontractor networks and direct labour
Qualifications & Certifications
* Relevant Engineering, Rail Operations, or Project Management qualification (e.g. HNC/HND, BEng, APM, PMI)
* PTS / COSS / SMSTS or other relevant rail safety certifications (desirable)
* NEBOSH or IOSH Safety qualifications (preferred)
* Full UK Driving Licence
Why Join Circet?
* Be part of a company that encourages involvement, diversity and inclusion
* Be part of a company that nurtures excellence and develops leaders
* Be part of a company that encourages personal development and career progression through our further education programme, mentoring programme and pathway programme
* Be part of a company that is dedicated to making a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility
* You will get a competitive salary and a benefits package which includes 25 days annual leave per annum, life assurance, access to Employee Assistance Programmes and access to career developmental opportunities
Circet IRE & UK is an inclusive organisation and welcomes all applications. Our mission is to create a workforce that consists of individuals with talent, skills and potential across all areas of our business. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees