418855 Head of HS2 Operational Transition

Department for Transport

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 11th August 2025

Location: Birmingham, Leeds (Hybrid)

Salary: £67,313 - ACivil Service Pensionwith an employer contribution of 28.97%

Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

We’re looking for someone to lead the future strategy for the HS2 Operator, within the context of public ownership and wider rail reform, as part of the Department for Transport’s Major Rail Projects Group. This is a high-impact role shaping the operational phase of High-Speed 2 — the largest infrastructure project in Europe.

The role sits in the HS2 End State and Shadow Operator Division within the Policy and Benefits Directorate. The team leads policy development and implementation for HS2 end-state operations, working closely with HS2 Ltd and the West Coast Partnership Development.

You will initially focus on developing and delivering proposals for continued operational advice on the HS2 programme. With the current model no longer sustainable under public ownership and wider reform, you’ll lead the transition to a new approach, ensuring a smooth path to HS2 operations and the running of high-speed services.

This involves working closely with senior colleagues at HS2 Ltd, the West Coast Partnership Development, and internal rail reform and commercial teams to align your plans with the broader modernisation agenda and HS2 programme needs.

A key part of the role is ensuring strong policy links between HS2 operations and wider rail reform, supporting coherence across the sector and contributing to the successful delivery of HS2.

This is a high-profile and strategically important position at the heart of the UK’s future rail operations.

Top Responsibilities

• The development and implementation of a transition strategy for the HS2 Shadow Operator following public ownership. This will need to be developed at pace to support the transition to public ownership and involve influencing external stakeholders and Senior internal boards and Ministers on the merits of the preferred option.
• Ensuring a smooth implementation of the agreed strategy to maintain a positive operator influence in the HS2 programme.
• Manage relationships with the rail reform teams to integrate HS2 operational considerations into the rail reform policy development and implement Rail Reform initiatives into High-Speed operations where possible. This will include the future operating model for HS2 and how it interacts with Great British Railways through the opening operating stages, as well as the ownership model for HS2 and its interaction with other bodies with a financial interest in HS2.
• With the other Grade 6s in the Division, deputising for the Deputy Director as required in a range of areas.

Benefits

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensionshere
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About you

We are looking for someone who is an enthusiastic and engaged professional with experience of developing robust solutions to complex issues and delivering on them.

You will be an influential leader and effective communicator, working with and influencing senior internal leaders and external stakeholders with differing priorities.

You will be comfortable working within the commercial and legal frameworks to deliver the proposed policy outcome effectively.

How to Apply
Read the full job description and apply via the Civil Service Jobs site using the link provided.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 11th August 2025