Lead Systems Thinking Manager – Network Rail
Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department: HR Systems Thinking Ops (348220) G5
Contract: 9-month Secondment/Fixed Term Contract with potential to extend or go permanent.
Secondments are subject to line manager approval. Please discuss this with your line manager before applying.
Band & Salary: Band 2B, £71,163 - £81,661. Salary offered will be within the advertised range and dependent on experience.
Overview
Join Network Rail to work on an exciting programme supporting Network Rail and the industry in developing and deploying innovative trials to help build a better railway. This role focuses on driving business transformation and delivering tangible results in areas such as stations, operations control, train performance management, timetable planning, and more.
What does the average day look like?
* Architect interventions with a team of systems thinking improvement specialists to ensure delivery against the systems thinking methodology.
* Drive transformation programmes using the Systems Thinking methodology, aligning with strategic objectives and deliverables.
* Engage regularly with Functional Directors, Executive Directors, and senior stakeholders to facilitate successful programme outcomes.
* Analyse and evaluate programme performance, track benefits, and ensure transformational changes are embedded.
* Plan throughout the systems thinking lifecycle, overseeing analysis and redesign activity to deliver on initiatives.
* Design and deliver business change approaches to coordinate cross-functional virtual teams and drive strategic priority outcomes.
Essential Criteria
* Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis, often with overnight stays.
* Significant experience in managing major and complex change programmes.
* Proven experience applying Systems Thinking methodologies.
* Proven experience in business improvement and business change management approaches.
* Strong influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills with experience working with Executive Directors, Functional Directors, and 3rd party senior colleagues.
* Ability to analyse and evaluate complex data to drive decision-making from executive to local leadership levels.
* Experience managing (directly or indirectly) cross-functional teams in a customer-focused environment, enabling teams to meet challenges.
* Knowledge of investment principles and processes.
* Proven experience in developing teams to achieve high performance; excellent interpersonal, management, and communication skills.
* Experience in completing Managing Successful Programme (MSP) training.
* Evidence of applying business improvement and change management approaches.
How to Apply (External) / Additional Information
For a full list of key accountabilities and criteria, click apply to be redirected to the Network Rail external careers website with the full Job Description.
Contact / Accessibility
For questions or reasonable adjustments, contact IREC support at IRECSupport@networkrail.co.uk. Please have the IREC number (IRC2317848) ready.
Closing date: 15 September 2025. Some adverts may close earlier based on application volumes; late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 29 September, depending on business requirements.
Safety is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate awareness of our Safety Vision.
Benefits
* Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
* Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with option to buy/sell days.
* Discounts at stations with Network Rail pass.
* Defined benefit pension scheme.
* 75% subsidy on train tickets.
* Interest-free travel loan for season tickets (train and car park).
* Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Related links and job postings: Senior roles and System Manager opportunities in and around Milton Keynes (not part of the role description).
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