Lead Systems Thinking Manager

Network Rail

  • Milton Keynes
  • £71,163-81,661 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit for advice on accessibility support.If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!Vacancy DetailsDuration: 9-month Secondment/Fixed Term Contract with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval, please discuss this with them before applying).Location: Nationwide, with frequent travel and overnight stays. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes of the office or be willing to self-relocate.Band & Salary: (Band 2B) £71,163 - £81,661 please note any salary offered will be within the advertised salary range and is dependent upon experience.Brief DescriptionWho are we looking for?We're recruiting for an exciting programme that will is supporting Network Rail and the industry on developing and deploying innovative trials to help build a better railway. This includes areas such as stations, operations control, train performance management, timetable planning, and more. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving business transformation and achieving tangible results.About the role (External)What does the average day look like?Working with a team of systems thinking improvement specialists, your role will be to architect the interventions assuring delivery against systems thinking methodology. On an average day, you will spend your time actively driving transformation programmes using the Systems Thinking methodology, ensuring they remain aligned to strategic objectives and deliverables. You will regularly engage with Functional Directors, Executive Directors, and senior stakeholders, fostering strong, effective relationships to facilitate successful programme outcomes.Throughout the day, you'll analyse and evaluate programme performance, meticulously tracking benefits to verify that transformational changes are effectively embedded. You will also be focused on detailed planning through the systems thinking lifecycle, maintaining oversight of analysis and re-design activity to ensure each initiative is on track to delivery. Additionally, you'll design and deliver business change approaches to coordinate collaborative cross-functional virtual teams, leveraging diverse skills and perspectives to successfully deliver against strategic priorities, driving consistent and impactful change.Essential Criteria
  • Be able to travel nationally on a regular basis, often staying overnight
  • Relevant experience in the successful management of major and complex change programmes
  • Proven experience in applying Systems Thinking methodology
  • Proven experience in business improvement and business change management approaches
  • Highly developed influencing, negotiation and relationship building / partnering skills with experience working with Executive Directors, Functional Directors and 3rd party senior colleagues
  • Proven ability to analyse and evaluate complex data to drive decision making from executive level to local leadership
  • Experience in managing (directly or indirectly) cross-functional teams in a customer-focused environment with evidence of enabling teams to meet their challenges
  • Knowledge of the principles of investment processes and procedures.
  • Proven experience in managing and developing teams to achieve high performance Excellent interpersonal, management, and communication skills.
  • Proven experience in business improvement and business change management approaches
  • Has successfully completed 'Managing Successful Programmes' training.
  • Knowledge of the principles of investment processes and procedures.
For a full list of Key accountabilities, essential and desirable criteria. Please click apply and you will be redirected to the Network Rail external careers website where you can find the Job description.How to apply (External)Additional Information…Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact IREC support IRECSupport@networkrail.co.uk. Please ensure that you have the IREC number (IRC2317848) ready as you will be asked for this.Closing date: 15th September 2025. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 29th September, depending on business requirements.Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of ourApplication Process:1. First Sift - We will CV Sift all applications against the essential criteria for the role.2. Assessment (including competency-based interview questions and an assessment task)All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.Some of our great benefits:🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Network Rail