Overview
Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department Name: HR Systems Thinking Ops (348220) G5
About Network Rail
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 value diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are a Disability Confident Leader and support accessibility throughout the recruitment process. For advice on accessibility support, you can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive. If you\'re ready to make a real difference, we\'d love to hear from you.
Vacancy Details
Duration: 9-month Secondment/Fixed Term Contract with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Secondments are subject to line manager approval; please discuss with your manager before applying).
Location: Nationwide locations available, with frequent travel and overnight stays. This role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered. For people based in The Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes of the office or be willing to self-relocate.
Band & Salary: (Band 3C) £55,596 - £63,797. Salary offered will be within the advertised range and is dependent upon experience.
Brief Description
Who are we looking for?
We\'re recruiting for an exciting programme that supports Network Rail and the industry on developing and deploying innovative trials to help build a better railway. You\'ll be working as part of a team on diagnosing areas for improvement within a given system of work, followed by rapidly co-designing, testing and deploying solutions to the issues found. This includes areas such as stations, operations control, train performance management, timetable planning, and more.
There\'s no need for previous systems thinking experience. If you can answer yes to the following questions we\'d love to hear from you: Are you a visionary problem-solver with a passion for driving transformational change? Do you have the skills to coach matrix teams to analyse, design, and implement interventions that reshape the way we work? Would you enjoy traveling nationally to work collaboratively with frontline teams and leaders to deliver sustainable improvements? Do you want to springboard your career and gain exposure to senior and executive leaders through delivering high-priority business improvements?
About The Role (External)
What does the average day look like?
In this role, you\'ll be at the heart of Network Rail’s transformation journey. No two days will be the same, but you\'ll regularly lead cross-functional teams to tackle complex business challenges—designing, testing, and refining new operating models that drive real improvement. You\'ll analyse data to uncover insights, assess performance, and identify opportunities for change. As a coach and collaborator, you\'ll empower teams to adopt systems thinking, building their capability to lead future improvements themselves. You\'ll engage and influence leaders across the organisation to secure buy-in and sustain momentum. From managing change activities to delivering hands-on project work, you\'ll ensure every intervention is delivered with precision, on time, to a high standard, and with lasting impact.
Essential Criteria
To excel in this role, you should have:
* Passion for Change: Successful experience and qualifications in business improvement approaches and business change (or willingness to gain them).
* Analytical Prowess: Proven ability to analyse and evaluate data to drive decision making.
* Influencing Skills: Proven ability to positively influence stakeholders at all levels to achieve desired outcomes.
* Collaborative Spirit: Advanced influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
* Team Leadership: Experience in managing cross-functional teams in a customer-focused environment.
* Systems Thinking: Demonstrable commitment to learning systems thinking to transform business operating models.
Experience and understanding of rail operations would be an advantage.
How To Apply (External)
Additional Information: Contact recruitment support at RecruitmentSupport@networkrail.co.uk. Please ensure you have the IREC number (IRC2322452) ready as you will be asked for this.
Closing date: 15 September 2025. On occasions, we may close the advert early based on application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 29 September, depending on business requirements.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate awareness of our Safety Vision.
Application Process
* First Sift – CV sift against essential criteria for the role.
* Assessment – competency-based interview questions and an assessment task.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. More information is available on the Network Rail external careers site.
Benefits
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…
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