Chief Executive Officer
Institution of Railway Signal Engineering (IRSE)
UK-based | Hybrid Working | Full-time | £100,000 p/a
The Institution of Railway Signal Engineering (IRSE) is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our globally respected professional engineering institution at a pivotal moment in its development, as the global rail sector undergoes rapid technological transformation.
With more than 5,000 members in over 50 countries, and over 6,000 licence holders globally, the IRSE plays a vital role in advancing the science and practice of train control, communications and associated systems. This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation at the forefront of innovation, professional standards, and global influence.
We are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with proven senior executive experience, strong governance understanding, and the ability to drive organisational growth and impact.
The IRSE is committed to broadening representation within the profession and at leadership level We actively encourage applications from women and other groups who are currently under-represented in senior roles within engineering and professional institutions.
Reporting to Council, the CEO will lead the delivery of the Institution’s strategic objectives, ensuring financial sustainability, global relevance, and continued professional authority in a rapidly evolving sector.
The successful applicant will likely have a strong combination of the following skills:
* A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
* Proven ability to create, communicate, and execute organisational strategy, including driving membership growth of the institution
* Excellent team-building skills with a collaborative working style
* Ability to implement business activities that generate income in addition to membership fees combined with exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
* Proven experience in developing diversified income streams beyond membership revenue
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
* Outstanding listening and communications skills across written, verbal, and presentation formats - with experience using a wide array of communication channels to reach diverse global audiences
* Ability to foster an engaging, inclusive culture that aligns with IRSE values
* An understanding of the impact of cultural issues in different countries and an appropriate aptitude for promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of IRSE business
* A strong understanding of UK regulatory and governance frameworks including the requirements of HMRC, Companies House and the Charity Commission
* Willingness to attend online meetings outside standard UK working hours to accommodate the global membership of the IRSE (and its Council)
* Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required
Experience within engineering, infrastructure, or membership organisations would be advantageous, but is not essential.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future and direction of a globally influential professional institution and to play a defining role in the advancement of railway signalling and train control worldwide.
Full job description and person specification available upon request. For further details and information on how to apply please contact by an email via the button below.
All shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 15 May 2026.
Closing date for applications: 30 April 2026.