Closing date: 6 November 2026
Salary scale: £71,595 - £90,000 per annum
Help Shape the Future of Britain's Railway
Rail Delivery Group (RDG) partners with Britain’s train operators to put customers at the heart of everything we do, delivering essential services and dedicated experts who keep the nation’s railway running efficiently.
From journey information, reservations and Railcards to improving performance, safety and accessibility, we drive the services and people that keep the railway moving. Anyone who has travelled by train or booked a journey for friends or family, will have used our services. We are integral to the running of the railway and play a crucial part at every stage of the customer journey – making sure we are delivering a better railway for all our customers, now and in the future.
As we embark on a new era for rail, we are now looking for a Head of Engineering to join us. If you are motivated by meaningful work and want to play a role in the future of Britain's railway, we'd love to hear from you!
What is the purpose of this job?
The post holder is accountable to the Director of Industry Operations and the Rolling Stock Strategy Director, DFTO.
The role:
· provides leadership to the RDG Engineering, ERTMS and Digital Systems Team
· works as part of the DFTO Rolling Stock team
· takes the lead on designing and establishing DFTO’s and GBR’s Fleet Engineering capability and structure.
In addition, the role acts as the Professional Head for RDG railway engineering support activities. The objective is to ensure effective centralised support for RDG, DFTO and industry partners and stakeholder businesses in support of their delivery of a safe, punctual and efficient railway.
This role will help to support the design of organisational rolling stock engineering capability ahead of the formation of Great British Railways (GBR).
What can I expect to do in this job?
1. To act as the Professional Head for the RDG engineering support activities.
2. To assist, advise, alert, advocate and act on behalf of the senior engineering community in GB rail.
3. Working as part of a matrix team between RDG Industry Operations and the DFTO Rolling Stock Strategy team, provide technical leadership and support to develop and promote RDG, DFTO and GBR policy for all Engineering matters, including GB Rail Interoperability, Safety, Standards, Performance, Digital Signalling & Communications, Rolling Stock Strategy & Related Supply Chain etc and to give support to GBR strategic initiatives in the same areas.
4. To influence the future strategic direction of technical leadership for the GB and European rail industry.
5. To ensure the efficient and cost-effective delivery of engineering support-related benefits to RDG/DFTO, GBR and industry partners and stakeholders.
6. To support the development and roll-out of digital signalling technology working closely with Network Rail, RoSCos and suppliers whilst ensuring operator views and experience shape and inform future plans.
7. To provide strategic direction and line management of the RDG Industry Operations Engineering and ERTMS & Digital Systems team and DFTO teams (where applicable) including, but not limited to, carrying out annual appraisals, objective setting and review, agreement of leave.
8. To act as the nominated partner in support of the senior Engineering leadership forum and other senior technical forums facilitated by RDG and DFTO.
9. To prepare and manage all elements of the RDG engineering budget and support DFTO budgeting arrangements as required.
10. To be accountable for the technical input and on-going development of the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS) both today and in the context of wider GBR-related graduate/non-graduate engineering training programmes.
Who will my key contacts be?
Internal to the rail industry
· RDG & DFTO colleagues – exchanging information
· DFTO Rolling Stock Strategy Director
· Train Operator Engineering Directors
· GB passenger and freight operator and their trade associations executive and senior teams – exchanging information and networking
· Network Rail Senior Teams & Specialists – exchanging information and influencing
· Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) Executives & senior personnel – exchanging information and influencing
· Rolling Stock Leasing Companies Executives and senior personnel – influencing
· Fleet & related supply chain MDs & Executives - influencing
· European TOC Personnel – influencing and exchanging information
· European Representative Bodies (CER and UIC) – influencing, negotiating and exchanging information
External to the rail industry
· Senior officials in government departments including the Department for Transport, Transport Scotland and Transport for Wales – influencing and exchanging information
· Office of Road and Rail Senior Personnel – influencing and exchanging information
· Rail Supply Group, Railway Industry Association, Rail Alliance and GB suppliers – networking
· Railway Consultancies – exchanging information
· Wider GB & European Suppliers - networking
· British Standards Institute, CEN/CENELEC, ISO/IEC Personnel – networking
· Professional Institutions - networking
Requirements
- Qualifications equivalent to degree level in an appropriate engineering discipline.
- Chartered Engineer
- Fellowship of a Chartered Engineering Institution
1. A thorough understanding of the architecture of the rail industry and particularly the contractual relationships between DfT, DFTO, GBR, passenger and freight operators, Network Rail and the Rolling Stock Leasing Companies (RoSCos).
2. A thorough understanding of industry partners’ and stakeholders’ safety obligations especially relating to Depots, Traction and Rolling Stock, including Safety Certification is required.
3. A broad knowledge of railway engineering including rolling stock; railway operational systems, digital signalling and supply chain activities, with relevant experience in posts of railway engineering management responsibility.
4. Extensive knowledge and experience of the framework of Interoperability and Safety Regulations; Relevant UK Legislation; Technical Specifications for Interoperability; Euronorms and GB Standards related to rolling stock and to signalling and communications systems.
5. Very good communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with people at all levels of an organisation and with colleagues for whom English is not their first language.
6. Excellent relationship skills with an ability to engage with stakeholders in a way that builds trust and respect with people at all levels of an organisation.
7. Sensitivity to the broad spectrum of GB and European political, cultural and organisational structures.
8. An ability to think both strategically and tactically with good analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to all engineering aspects of the whole railway system.
9. The skills needed to successfully resolve conflicts and rapidly achieve consensus.
10. An ability to take an independent approach to the analysis of problems and a pragmatic and consensus-based approach to proposing and implementing solutions.
11. A willingness to travel.
12. A willingness to quickly assimilate large amounts of information and an ability to distil to rapidly identify the key issues
13. An ability to manage their own activities (and that of their team where required) in order to set and resolve conflicting priorities and meet deadlines both on a day to day and longer basis with the minimum of support.
14. Attuned and demonstrated people-management and leadership skills.
Why Join Us?
This is more than just a job.
It's an opportunity to be part of an organisation that puts customers at the heart of everything we do, bringing the industry together to keep Britain connected. You'll work alongside passionate colleagues, contribute to projects with national impact and help shape the future of rail travel for generations to come.
At Rail Delivery Group, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected and able to be themselves. We are continually working to build an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. Some of the ways we support our people include:
· Employee networks
· Flexible and hybrid working
· Inclusive hiring practices
· Wellbeing initiatives
· Learning and development opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we will work with you to provide the support you need.
Benefits
Why Work for RDG?
We offer a highly competitive package, including:
- 75% discount on rail travel (for work and leisure), plus international rail discounts
- 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
- Two Personal Development Days are granted to employees annually
- Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for commuting costs
- Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave
- Pension scheme – up to 8.64% employer contribution
- Subsidised Private Medical Insurance (Vitality PPP) and Health Cash Plan (Healthshield)
- Access to our flexible benefits portal - a central hub for accessing retail discounts, shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment perks
- Flexible working arrangements available
