Overview

Join to apply for the Engineering Development Director role at Network Rail.

Location: Birmingham, GB. This role is based in Birmingham Baskerville House with potential to be based in Derby, Manchester, York, Glasgow, London, Cardiff or Swindon. This is a full-time opportunity, with flexible working patterns considered; travel is required as the teams are national.

Department: Engineering Development. About Network Rail: we keep passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction of engineering innovation, product development and delivery within Network Rail. Provide strategic leadership to shape and deliver innovative engineering solutions with real benefits for the railway and its passengers. Collaborate with senior stakeholders and supply chain partners to drive forward cutting-edge projects, guide teams of engineers to develop their skills, and oversee safe and efficient introduction of new technology, production and operational activities. Balance technical direction with commercial awareness to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to high standards of safety and quality. Drive change across the industry and turn ideas into practical, proven outcomes that support a more accessible and reliable rail network.

Recognise and respond to the ongoing changes in the railway sector, maintaining agility to support both today’s railway and the future.

Essential Criteria

• Chartered Professional status with membership of a relevant professional institution (examples: IMechE, ICE, IET, IRO, CMI).
• Extensive experience leading multi-disciplinary design for multi-million pound programmes in the infrastructure sector.
• Proven ability to lead large teams (>100) across multiple disciplines and geographic locations in a complex matrix organisation.
• Strong leadership with a track record of safety, wellbeing, environmental and quality performance.
• Experience developing and maintaining successful client/supplier relationships with a strong customer focus.
• Excellent management and leadership skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships at all levels and drive cultural/organisational performance.
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal, influencing, problem-solving, written/verbal communication and organisational skills.
• Experience developing and rolling out a design delivery strategy across a complex matrix organisation.
• Proven experience in business leadership with robust commercial acumen.

Desirable Criteria

• Fellow level membership of an appropriate institute (e.g., Institution of Civil Engineers / Association for Project Management).
• Risk management and application experience.
• Supply chain management experience.

About the Role (External) / What does the average day look like?

Engineering Services is a central function within Route Services, providing national skills and activities to enable regions and industry partners to deliver the railway for customers. We focus on design, development, delivery and asset management to enable a better railway system and influence every part of the railway, including structures, track, traction power, level crossings, signalling and accessibility schemes.

As a senior leader, you’ll be responsible for guiding strategic direction, building partnerships, and ensuring safe, timely delivery of engineering solutions across projects. You’ll manage risks, allocate resources, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating with specialist teams and the wider industry.

Additional Information

Closing date: 20 October. Interviews will be held from w/c 27 October, depending on business requirements. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Click here for more information.

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 train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Plus more.

Seniorities and Employment Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Rail Transportation

All edits preserve the original content while removing duplicates and ensuring accessible formatting.