Job Description

The Head of Competition Policy will lead and develop strategies to ensure fair competition within the rail sector. This role requires expertise in policy development and a strong understanding of competition regulations.

• Spearhead the competition agenda, creating an integrated approach that aligns competition policy with wider safety and economic regulatory objectives to deliver value for consumers and taxpayers.
• Direct a robust pipeline of complex projects, utilising powers concurrent with the CMA (under the Competition Act 1998) to investigate markets, enforce prohibitions, and lead market studies.
• Act as the primary interface with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), other concurrent regulators, and senior industry leaders to build the organisations reputation as a proactive competition authority.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of specialists, fostering a culture of analytical rigour and ensuring the team has the expertise to tackle complex economic challenges.
• Provide expert advice to the Board and Executive Committees on competition risks, opportunities, and the commercial realities of the sector to inform strategic decision-making.
• Anticipate long-term national and international trends-including economic, environmental, and technological shifts-to ensure regulatory interventions remain effective and forward-looking.

Regulatory bodyLead on their impactful policy work
A successful Head of Competition Policy should have:

• Extensive knowledge and practical application of UK competition policy and law, specifically the Competition Act 1998 (Chapter I and II prohibitions) and the Enterprise Act 2002.
• A strong track record of working within a competition authority, a concurrent regulator (e.g., FCA, Ofcom, Ofgem), or a specialist consultancy, with experience delivering market studies and enforcement cases.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing specialist teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and analytical excellence.
• Experience managing a pipeline of high-stakes projects or investigations, making robust decisions based on complex economic and legal analysis.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility with senior industry figures, the CMA, and government bodies.
• The ability to apply competition principles pragmatically, understanding the commercial realities to deliver practical outcomes.
• The ability to integrate competition objectives with wider regulatory goals, such as safety, efficiency, and public value.

They are committed to ensuring fair practices and fostering a competitive environment that benefits the public consumer

• Competitive salary ranging from 73,000 to 82,500 per annum.
• Comprehensive pension scheme.
• Permanent position
• Opportunity to make a significant impact within the public sector.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career as Head of Competition Policy, apply today and contribute to meaningful change in the public sector.

Skills Required