Job Description

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Brief Description
At a time of increasing scrutiny and passenger demand on our railway, our people remain at the heart of everything that we do. As we strive to deliver for our customers and our stakeholders, the Head of HR in Sussex will collaborate across key stakeholders; creating the environment where our employees can thrive and develop which directly influences our business outcomes of providing a safe and reliable railway. The Head of HR will be expected to drive a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, along with developing and supporting wider schemes and initiatives to promote employee mental health and wellbeing.
In 2026, we will be moving closer towards formal integration between Network Rail Sussex Route and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). This provides a great opportunity for the successful candidate to be part of driving the change in the railway and to get experience across both track and train. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with both the Sussex Route Director and GTR's People Director and their teams during this time of transition and rail reform. We are bringing track and train together in a once in a generation change on our railway and our people will be the key to unlock the potential of the railway in Sussex and the wider network.
This is an exciting time for the industry and a time of opportunity for our people.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities
1. Working closely with the Sussex Route Director to develop, drive and implement the HR Strategy/People Plan to include; talent, succession planning, workforce planning and change management, in order to support the delivery of business objectives and drive a high performance culture.
2. Work closely and in collaboration with the People Director and other colleagues at Govia Thameslink Railway, focussing on delivering for customers and other stakeholders, as we prepare for formal integration.
3. Act as an integral member of the business leadership team, building strong relationships with senior business leaders and other relevant stakeholders. Coach, advise and challenging thinking in addition to co-development, design and execution of integrated medium to long term people initiatives to meet current and future business needs.
4. Act as a change agent; lead, support and contribute to change programmes, driving and championing the implementation of HR solutions within the supported business area, gaining acceptance from key stakeholders.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential

• Demonstrates strong business/commercial approach and understanding of business needs

• Excellent relationship building skills demonstrated through proven experience of working in partnership with directors and senior business leaders in order to improve people management practices and develop strategic HR plans

• Passionate about customer service with ability to articulate previous achievements through business deliverables

• Knowledge and experience of implementing best practice HR solutions to drive a high performance culture

• Experience of coaching and influencing senior business leaders along with excellent communication skills and able to negotiate and influence effectively with all levels of an organisation

• Experience of working in partnership with senior business leaders to identify, develop and retain talent

• Excellent technical HR Knowledge - MCIPD qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate level of competence

• Excellent leadership and management experience with a focus on delivering business focused HR support both personally and through a team.

Desirable

• Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects to successful conclusion

• Experience of working within a unionised environment

How to apply (External)
Salary: 71,163 to 84,437 plus Inner London Office Allowance of 3,270
The salary package also includes:

• 75% off rail travel for you and your partner
• Public sector boosted pension
• Private healthcare
• Annual performance based bonus

Closing date: 15th December 2025. - Late applications will not be accepted.
Click apply now to apply.
This role requires working in the office minimum of 3 days per week.
What does our recruitment process look like?

• Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV.
• If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be invited to an interview.

You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits -
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

Skills Required