Network Performance Board Programme Manager

Closing Date for Applications

6th February 2026

Salary scale: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum

What is the purpose of this job?

The Network Performance Board (NPB) Programme Manager leads the successful delivery of the NPB’s strategic programme of work—most notably the Performance Restoration Framework—driving measurable improvements in rail performance across the industry. This role provides the leadership, coordination and influence needed to unify complex, cross‑industry stakeholders around a clear performance ambition.

As a senior leader and self-starter, you will have the authority and autonomy to champion service quality for NPB members and the wider industry, ensuring that the NPB programme of activity is designed, governed and executed to the highest standards of cost, quality and time. Through expert programme management, strong stakeholder engagement and an unwavering focus on performance outcomes, you will accelerate the adoption of good practice, enable effective decision‑making, and help shape a more reliable, high‑performing railway for Britain.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

The below outline some of the success measures for the role and whilst this is not an exhaustive list, gives some of idea of what you will do:

· Create a programme plan to deliver NPBs Performance Restoration Framework.

· Management of the delivery to the programme plan for the implementation of the recommendations. Including monitoring and tracking of activity.

· Develop a robust stakeholder and communications plan for the programme. This will include leading the delivery of Network Performance Seminar on behalf of industry and other communication tools such as news articles, newsletters and good practice webinars.

· Lead, support and contribute to building effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.

· Manage the delivery of the Performance Restoration Framework, working effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and with internal and external stakeholders (including senior leaders as required) to enable delivery.

· Work with individual TOCs, DfTO, Owning Groups and NR routes to ensure adequate development and adoption of the outputs of the Performance Restoration Framework and other items of good practice shared at NPB.

· Provide regular written and verbal reports back to relevant governance and stakeholder groups.

· Contract Management for industry suppliers, to support the delivery of the programme’s outputs.

· Support the on-going development and adoption of the Performance Restoration Framework, in line with industry objectives.

· Support and line manage programme resource (where appropriate).

· Management of the programme’s budget.

· Provide secretariat support to the NPB, working closely with the Chair, NPB Network Performance Manager and the NPB executive

· Promote a performance improvement culture in which train service delivery is treated as our highest priority, ensuring that the wider team are encouraged and expected to commit to continuous improvement.

· Develop a collaborative working approach with Network Rail’s National Performance Team, DfTO performance and operations team and DfTO Programme Director.

· Identify risk and implement corrective / mitigation actions, as required, ensure risk management is captured robustly.

· Establish, maintain and deliver effective reporting to RDG, NPB and wider industry on programme progress.

· Identify and progress with stakeholders’ future opportunities through visible and direct engagement with TOCs and NR Routes developing excellent relationships, liaising with internal and external industry teams to support wider initiatives as required.

· Contribute to improving RDG staff engagement and delivering the wider Industry Operations strategy as required.

Who will my key contacts be?

· NPB members, NPB Chair, TOC Managing Directors and Network Rail Route and Regional MDs.

· TOCs and FOCs, in particular Heads of Performance and Operations Directors.

· Network Rail and DfTO leads for Performance and Operational delivery.

· Other industry stakeholders such as BTP, RSSB, ORR and DFT. This is a cross-industry role that should be able to work across senior leaders through to front line staff

· RDGs Network Performance and Operations Manager and Network Performance Engagement Managers.

· RDGs People Strategy and Engineering teams

Requirements

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

We are looking for an excellent communicator with a proven track record of complex programme management in a visible, high-profile role. You will have a good understanding of train service performance, the ambition of Network Performance Board and the ability to deliver complex programmes/projects across multiple stakeholders both internal and external. Industry experience is essential.

Some of the sort of specific skills and knowledge we are looking for include:

· Knowledge and understanding of rail industry performance plans, rail performance metrics and the ambition of Network Performance Board.

· You will drive for results – be adaptable, think creatively to solve problems and have the ability to go ‘’the extra mile’’ to achieve tasks, objectives and targets.

· Credibility in front of senior audiences, with a track record improving existing systems and processes and managing complex programmes to completion.

· Excellent problem solving skills with the ability to distil complex, ambiguous problems into simple actionable direction.

· Projects and programmes management and associated methodology

· Excellent communication skills both verbal and written

· Experience in producing high-quality programme and change management tools and delivering these successfully

· Ability to work with, and influence, appropriate stakeholders to ensure commitment and alignment

· Dynamic, leader and team player who is also a self-starter

· Ability to manage a diverse and complex stakeholder group, over varying roles and functions

· Great at articulating the value of change and associated plans and activities

· Effective at partnering with others to plan, develop and deliver effective change interventions

Benefits

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.