Regional Rail Lead

we are looking to recruit a Regional Rail Lead to join our team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £70,086 – £79,174 per annum (pro rata for part time).

 

Join Transport East as our new Regional Rail Lead and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of rail transport in the East. You will provide leadership, and vision on national and regional rail matters, influence key stakeholders and partners to deliver Transport East’s strategic rail agenda, support effective delivery of rail reform and improve rail outcomes across the East. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact on the rail at a regional scale, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

 

Your role and responsibilities

As a key member of the Transport East team, you will:

– provide leadership, vision, and guidance on national and regional rail matters
– influence regional and national partners, including MPs, politicians, business leaders, senior local authority officers, national delivery agencies, and the Department for Transport
– support the Chief Executive of Transport East in delivering the Transport East strategic rail agenda to support effective delivery of rail reform in the East.
– lead the region in developing the rail regional evidence base to make the case for investment and funding
– work with national, regional, and local partners in developing and coordinating sub-national transport strategies for rail and mass transit
– lead the Wider South East Rail Partnership and rail technical programme
– communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and technical specialists
– travel as part of the job to various locations, including London and other offices around the region.

 

You will need: 

– Substantial relevant experience of working in strategic rail and wider transport planning.
– Excellent technical and/or professional knowledge and understanding of the wider policy connections at both national and local level.
– Good knowledge of relevant systems, regulations, legislation, best practice, policies and procedures
– Experience of partnership working and of establishing, maintaining and developing effective working relationships at all levels across partner organisations
– Highly developed verbal and written skills to interpret complex legislation, guidelines and technical information
– Ability to work effectively with senior people across the rail industry, government transition teams, and other STBs.

 

The team

Transport East is a small, agile and effective team, that has a reputation for having an innovative approach to regional transport. We value collaboration, innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. The Regional Rail Lead will report to the Head of Strategy and Technical Programme and work closely with the leadership, wider technical and communication teams.

 

Working and travel requirements

This role supports hybrid working, combining home and office work. Frequent travel is essential for meetings and collaboration at various locations.

 

A full driving license and personal transport are beneficial, but meeting mobility requirements through other means is acceptable. Use of sustainable transport is encouraged.  If you have a disability, talk to the contact below. They can help you with reasonable adjustments for this role.

 

Empowering Everyone? 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

 

Closing date:?11.30pm, 16 June 2025

Interview date: week commencing 30 June 2025, in person

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Regional Rail Lead role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.