Rail & Roads Director

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Transport for the North (TfN) to join our senior leader team as our next Rail & Roads Director. You will be at the forefront of how we transform the north to create lasting change that will be felt for generations to come.
About TfN
TfN is the UK’s first sub-national transport body. We bring the North’s Local Transport Authorities and business leaders together, enabling our region to speak with one voice on the transport infrastructure investment needed to drive transformational growth and rebalance the UK economy. Our vision is of a thriving North of England, where world class transport supports sustainable economic growth, excellent quality of life and improved opportunities for all.
Who we are looking for
We are looking to recruit a strategic leader to build strong and inclusive partnerships and support in the development and implementation of an integrated approach to pan-Northern strategic transport planning. The post holder will provide leadership, direction and drive efficiencies across our Rail, Roads and Connected Mobility teams, as well as being the lead officer for TfN on the Northern Powerhouse Rail Co-sponsors’ Board and the Rail North Partnership; and working closely with the Rail North Committee Chair to help regulate the rail network in the North of England.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive the successful candidate will lead key workstreams ensuring that all activities and outputs from TfN’s Rail & Roads Directorate are integrated as part of the Strategic Transport Plan – which outlines the need for investment in transport across the North and identifies the priority areas for improved connectivity – and to ensure that solutions are complementary to each other.
We’re looking for an individual who stimulates innovation, enriches debate and discussion and advocates a fact-based approach to developing long-term strategies to achieve the best outcomes for TfN and our region working closely with our members, partners and other key stakeholders.
It is an exciting time to work for the organisation, the rail and road network will be the cornerstone of how we transform the north; and as Director you will be at the forefront of how we drive that change. The year ahead poses many challenges for the sector and the regions, from the government’s draft Rail Reform Bill to the general election, and this role is about how we reach the ambition of a transport network the north’s 15 million people deserve and make lasting transformative change for generations to come.
If this sounds like a challenge you can rise to, then we would very much like to hear from you.
What's on offer for the successful applicant
Competitive base salary depending on experience, coupled with an excellent benefits package, and fantastic degree of flexible working which will see you work remotely, with a requirement to regularly work from our offices in Central Manchester.
For an informal discussion about this exciting role, please contact: Pete John on 07701 305617 or via pete.john@penna.com or Zara Bruton on 07743 980 867 or via zara.bruton@penna.com
Closing date: 12 Noon, Wednesday, 1st May 2024
Preliminary Interview: Wednesday, 15th May 2024
Final selection events: Thursday, 30th May 2024 & Friday, 31st May 2024
Candidates wishing to apply for this role on a secondment basis of up to two years will be considered.
We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from women, members of ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, all applications will be considered on their merit.
Want to know more about TfN, then visit us on our website or look at our Twitter page or find us on LinkedIn or on Instagram.