About DFTO
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group, bringing all privately‑owned train operators into public ownership in preparation for Great British Railways in 2027 and delivering improvements now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. With over 30,000 employees and 8,500 services a day, DFTO delivers over 640 million journeys each year.
Primary Purpose of Job
The Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Whole System Strategy team is responsible for producing an overarching strategy for specification and supply of trains on the network and the infrastructure needed to support them. The strategy will focus on passenger needs while improving rail industry efficiency, environmental performance, and providing clarity to industry supply chains.
Key Deliverables
* The role will support the System Infrastructure Interfaces Policy Manager in identifying and analysing the interfaces between rolling stock and infrastructure requirements, including electrification, power supply and control systems, and developing options to improve alignment with rolling stock decisions.
* Work closely with Network Rail, policy and region teams within RSG, and other part of the RSISS team, along with economists and finance experts.
* Understand interdependencies and opportunities in a highly complex technical environment and with projects and programmes that span many years.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the development and maintenance of a baseline view of committed, planned and proposed infrastructure that affects rolling stock operation and provision across the network over the next 25 years.
* Undertake analysis of interdependencies, opportunities and risks between infrastructure and rolling stock programmes to support a joined‑up whole system strategy.
* Support the System Infrastructure Interfaces Policy Manager to understand the deliverability of the Whole System Strategy.
* Appraise different approaches towards infrastructure investments from a whole system perspective, feeding the information into business case development.
* Provide policy input around supply chain management, cost/value maximisation and alternative funding approaches.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications
Behaviours
Seeing the Bigger Picture
* Understand strategic drivers for the area of work.
* Align activities to wider organisational priorities.
* Understand how team strategies create value for all stakeholders.
Making Effective Decisions
* Analyse and use relevant, credible information to support decisions.
* Invite challenge and, where appropriate, involve others in decision making.
* Present strong recommendations in a timely manner, outlining options, costs, benefits and risks.
Leadership
* Ensure colleagues and stakeholders understand objectives, activities and timeframes.
* Champion inclusion and equality of opportunity for all.
* Recognise and praise achievements of others.
Communicating and Influencing
* Communicate honestly and engagingly, choosing appropriate styles.
* Ensure communication has a clear purpose and considers people’s individual needs.
* Respectfully deliver important messages, considering diverse interests.
Experience
Developing policy in a technical environment with multiple policy interfaces. Ability to learn quickly, challenge views or evidence, and handle analysis of operational, financial and economic data confidently.
Vacancy Details
* Duration: Permanent or Secondment
* Location: London Waterloo
* Salary: up to £47,052
* Closing date: 10th May 2026
DFTO Benefits
* Annual Leave: starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days over 5 years of service.
* DC Pension Scheme: 10% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution.
* Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
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