Expression of Interest – Integrated People and Culture Director

Greater Thameslink Integrated Railway

Job Ref: EOI1027
Branch: Head Office
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary
Contract type: Fixed Term
Hours: Full Time
Closing date: 29/10/2026

As GTR and Network Rail Sussex come together to create an integrated railway, we are seeking an exceptional People & Culture Director to join the Integrated Executive Team. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead the people, culture and organisational transformation agenda for a workforce of over 9,000 colleagues, supported by a People & Culture function of around 90 professionals.

At a pivotal moment for the industry and the transition towards Great British Railways, you will play a key role in creating a more connected, customer-focused and high-performing organisation. Working closely with the Managing Director, Executive Team and Board, you will shape workforce strategy, organisational design, leadership capability, culture and industrial relations, helping to bring together different organisations, systems and ways of working into one integrated railway.

We’re looking for a senior People leader with significant experience operating at Executive level within a large, complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading organisational transformation, building leadership capability, developing workforce strategy and managing complex industrial relations environments. Your ability to influence at Board level, build trusted relationships with trade unions and stakeholders, and navigate organisational complexity will be critical to success.

You will be a visible, collaborative and purpose-driven leader who understands that successful integration is about more than structures and processes. It’s about creating the culture, trust, capability and leadership that enable people to succeed together.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of Britain’s railway.

We’re sharing this opportunity with senior leaders across Network Rail, DfT Operator Limited (DFTO) and its operators, Department for Transport (DfT), Transport for London (TfL) and private sector rail organisations through Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and their members. We welcome applications from anyone interested in this opportunity and particularly encourage candidates with a broad and diverse mix of experience and perspectives.

Process

The deadline for submissions is 29th October 2026 at 23:59. Expression of Interest will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates interviewed by a diverse panel. The role will be appointed on an interim basis, pending the formal establishment of Great British Railways. Secondments will be used where possible.

To discuss any confidential questions about the role and application process Kimberley Fry (Senior Talent Acquisition Manager) can be contacted at kimberley.fry@gtrailway.com

Please click the link below to download a copy of the job description

https://eoi.recruitgenie.co.uk/system/gallery/a638a91b-088a-4c43-a99c-e93bf7505343/People_and_Culture_Director_JD.pdf