Chair, Network Rail

Department for Transport

London

  • Location London
  • Sector Central Government, Board Practice
  • Client Department for Transport
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £250,000-300,000 per annum
  • Reference GSe116362
  • Closing Date 17.00 Wednesday 23 July 2025

Time Commitment: minimum of 2.5 days per week

Tenure: 2 years, or until Great British Railways is established, whichever is sooner.

Location: The role will be based in London (but with an expectation of a national presence across Great Britain, and regular travel including to attend and chair board meetings).

Network Rail is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Transport. It owns, operates and develops railway infrastructure in England, Scotland and Wales – covering 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations.

Network Rail’s role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient rail network with a vision to deliver a simpler, better, greener railway for customers and communities. Its purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be, and it supports the country’s economic prosperity and contributes to the objectives of the UK and Scottish Governments.

Department for Transport is now seeking to appoint a new Chair to the Network Rail Board to lead the organisation as it prepares for the creation of GBR to ensure the British public get a better-performing railway.

As Chair of Network Rail, you will provide expert advice to shape ministerial decision-making and strategic direction. You will be instrumental in offering independent oversight, ensuring robust governance, and delivering constructive challenge to enhance the Board's operations. Responsibilities include chairing Board meetings, advising on policies and projects, monitoring financial and performance metrics, and supporting the CEO in delivering Network Rail's strategic plan. You'll act as an ambassador, setting the Board agenda, performing annual reviews of Non-Executive Directors, and reporting to Ministers, all while guiding Network Rail towards its corporate objectives. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a high-profile role, making sure that our rail infrastructure is in the best possible shape.

The role calls for an exceptional Board level leader, able to draw on an extensive track record of leading large, complex organisations and delivering major programmes, with experience of operating in a safety-critical environment. Successful candidates will also bring the insight to support the rail reform ensuring infrastructure and services work together, the ability to convene complex and constructive partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, and the credibility to act as a trusted and effective ambassador for the rail sector. An ability to drive revenues, secure value for money and stimulate innovation in a complex system will also be key.  

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