Reporting into – Head of Engineering Delivery – Streets, Bus, Rail and Sponsored Services
Contract – Permanent
Vacancy type – Full time
Band - 5
Location – Palestra or Endeavour Square with 50% hybrid working
About Us
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join the TfL Engineering & Asset Strategy senior leadership community as Head of Rail Engineering Delivery.
The TfL Engineering & Asset Strategy Directorate plays a critical role across TfL, bringing together around 2,000 staff as a unified centre of engineering excellence, providing technical leadership across TfL and enabling the delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable whole-life asset outcomes. The Directorate is accountable for setting technical strategy, defining and meeting engineering requirements, enabling delivery and optimised asset outcomes and providing technical assurance across one of the world's most complex transport networks.
About the Role
This is a highly strategic, system-wide leadership role with accountability for engineering across TfL’s diverse rail and surface portfolio, including DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, Trams, and wider assets such as buses, cable car and ferry operations.
You will provide senior leadership and technical authority across a complex, regulated environment where assets are often delivered and operated through third-party arrangements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic oversight of engineering across live operations and major programmes
- Acting as technical authority for system-level decisions
- Leading engineering integration across delivery, asset management, and operations
- Advising on high-value commercial contracts (£1bn+)
- Overseeing system performance and asset resilience
- Supporting major procurement and tender activity
- Driving continuous improvement and innovation
- Lead matrix teams to deliver engineering outcomes
About You
We are looking for a visible, credible and pragmatic engineering leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
You will bring:
- Strong engineering background across rail infrastructure and rolling stock (Essential)
- Deep understanding of ROGS and regulatory compliance (Essential)
- Significant experience in complex, safety-critical environments (Essential)
- Confident working with or overseeing high-value commercial contracts and delivery models.
- Strong expertise in systems integration and asset lifecycle management (Essential)
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Excellent judgement and decision-making capability
- Confident influencing senior stakeholders and communicating complex technical issues clearly.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and aligning priorities (Essential)
- Focus on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement
- Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) is preferred
Application Process
Please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV along with a cover letter (no more than 1 A4 page, Arial size 12).
We recommend that you consider the motivations, skills, knowledge and experience required for this role and ensure your application outlines where you meet these criteria.
For a copy of the job description or any questions on the recruitment process, please contact Cilla Thompson on talentacquisitionandexecutiverecruitment@tfl.gov.uk
Closing date for applications will be Wednesday 12th Augustat 23:59hrs. Please note that if we receive a large number of applications, we will close the advert early. We anticipate for 1st stage interviews to be held in September 2026.
We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We will be holding a Spotlight session, where you can learn more about the role and have the opportunity to ask the hiring manager questions. This will be held 12:00 on Wednesday 29th July. To be added onto the event please email your interest over to this address- talentacquisitionandexecutiverecruitment@tfl.gov.uk
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.
Our city. Made better by you
TfL is a place that’s open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It’s a place where you can thrive and achieve. Where you’re encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.
Hybrid Working
Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.
Benefits
In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the level of role and business area but mostly include:
- Final salary pension scheme.
- Free travel for you on the TfL network.
- Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket.
- 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays.
- TfL is committed to work-life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow. 50% time in the office.
- Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional).
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme.
- Retail, health, leisure and travel offers.
- Discounted Eurostar travel.
- TfL employees can access electric vehicles through salary sacrifice, making them more affordable. Whether brand-new or preloved, the scheme helps you save on tax and NI while making a greener choice.
Terms and conditions:
NPL Applications
Applications to internally advertised roles can only be accepted from temporary workers who are on PAYE terms via agency, or PAYE via Umbrella Companies. Temporary workers who are paid through their own limited companies are not covered by the Agency Worker Regulations and are ineligible to apply.
NPL members of staff are not eligible to apply to secondment opportunities.