Job Description

Job Ref:

DOH1071

Branch:

DFT Operator

Location:

London

Salary/Benefits:

Up to 95,000K

Contract type:

Fixed Term

Hours:

Full Time

Hours per week:

37.5

Posted date:

16/05/2025

Closing date:

23/05/2025

Head of Internal Audit - TOC Mobilisation:

Based: United Kingdom. Waterloo London / Hybrid to be confirmed Type of role FTC 2 years Salary- 80K to 95K Closing date - 23rd May 2025

About us:

DFT Operator Limited (DFTO) is the public sector owning group for passenger rail, with responsibility for four train operators: LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express. We have a strong track record of delivering significantly improved train operations, customer service and performance and we have grown significantly since we successfully took responsibility for LNER in 2018. Today, the DFTO Group represents

25% o

f Britain's railway, have almost

17,000

colleagues and make over

270 million

passenger journeys possible. We are strategically positioned to be a key player in shaping and delivering the future train operating landscape. In addition to our role as an Owning Group, we continue to be the Operator of Last Resort with the capacity and capability to take ownership of additional Train Operators as required, whilst fulfilling our ambition for our operations to become industry leading.



DFTO is a 'Public Corporation' owned by the Secretary of State for Transport. Whilst we work closely with the DfT and its advisers, we have our own governance and executive teams; and remain politically neutral.

Purpose of the role:

In this newly created position, (available as a secondment opportunity), the key purpose of the role will be to embed the internal audit functions for TOCs transferring into the DFTO Group using DFTO defined frameworks.



This role will report to the TOC Audit and Risk Committees (SWR, C2C and GA), sub-committees of the TOC Boards, each quarter, providing the TOC Board and Audit and Risk Committee with independent, objective assurance over effectiveness of the overall internal control environment.



This role will be supported by TOC based Internal Audit and Risk Management resource, through a mixture of direct and dotted line management. This role will report to the DFTO Head of Internal Audit and will work collaboratively across TOC and NR colleagues to deliver a flexible audit plan which may include TOC, multi-TOC or DFTO spanning audit engagements.

The key responsibilities are to:

Execution of the audit strategy, including planning and oversight of risk based internal audits and business assurance reviews, along with managing assurance activities relating to major business projects, in accordance with the agreed plans. Lead and develop direct and dotted line reports to manage and develop their assignments ensuring all audit objectives are achieved. Ensure all audit reports are clear and of high quality to elicit appropriate management responses and agreed action plans within given timescales and make recommendations to improve or strengthen internal controls. Embed effective remediation management by tracking completion of management actions, in response to audit findings, within agreed timescales. Undertake subsequent monitoring and follow up to ensure on implementation of recommendations. To identify opportunities for self-assessment within the business and the mechanisms required to place reliance on this as a source of assurance. Challenge current business processes suggesting value-adding improvements, leading to increases in efficiency Preparation for Audit and Risk Committee meetings, providing support to the Chair for forthcoming meetings, and ensuring relevant papers (e.g. audit findings, instances of fraud reported, corporate risk register) are made available ahead of the meetings. Attend the Audit Risk Committee meetings to report on assurance related matters, as required. Engage with the DFTO Head of Internal Audit, TOC Audit Risk teams and Network Rail Audit Risk Teams to ensure alignment of approach.

The ideal Head of Internal Audit will have:

Recognised Internal Audit or Accounting qualification. Demonstrable experience of developing and leading an internal audit team Demonstrable experience of shaping the future in response to significant business change. Strong leadership qualities and a team player approach. High level of communication, conflict management and relationship management skills. Strong commercial awareness. Key player in driving and embedding a risk, controls and continuous improvement culture. Full right to work in the UK

Equity Statement:

At DFTO we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We believe that diversity enriches our team and contributes to our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or other status. We strive to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively promote practices that ensure fairness, eliminate biases, and support the growth and development of all employees. Join us in our mission to create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and fosters a culture of equity and inclusion. Together, we can build a brighter future where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.