Location
Central London with flexibility to work from any of ORR's office locations including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, York, and Glasgow. ORR operates a hybrid working model requiring at least 40% presence in workplace locations such as offices, inspection sites, off-site meetings, conferences, and other approved business locations.

Hours
Full time, standard Civil Service working hours with flexibility as required to meet business needs.

Salary
£90,000 per annum

About the Role
The Deputy Director, Railway Engineering & Investment is a strategically important leadership position within the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), serving as the senior technical authority on railway engineering, asset management, capital investment, and infrastructure delivery across Great Britain’s rail network. Reporting directly to the Director of Planning and Performance and as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role combines technical expertise, regulatory leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

The postholder will oversee engineering performance, resilience, and long-term stewardship of railway assets, ensuring infrastructure managers, operators, and duty holders deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable outcomes for passengers and freight users. There is also a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Railway Safety Director on interoperability and safety matters.

This role is critical during a period of significant transformation in the rail industry, including the transition towards Great British Railways. The Deputy Director will lead ORR’s oversight of asset stewardship, cost management, and capital delivery for Network Rail, High Speed 1, and other licensed duty holders. The role also involves leading reviews of applications for new or upgraded rolling stock and infrastructure entering service in the UK.

The successful candidate will provide expert advice to the ORR Board and Executive Committee, ensuring regulatory decisions are based on robust technical evidence and engineering excellence. They will build strong partnerships with government departments, industry leaders, manufacturers, and infrastructure managers to promote excellence in engineering, investment, and asset stewardship.

The role leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately 34 colleagues through six direct reports and works closely with colleagues across ORR, particularly within Railway Safety, to ensure a coherent and integrated regulatory approach. The Deputy Director is expected to demonstrate strong corporate leadership, embody ORR’s values and behaviours, and foster a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture.

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity to influence the future of railway regulation and contribute to the ongoing transformation of Britain’s railways.

Experience
Extensive experience in railway engineering, asset management, capital investment, or infrastructure delivery within the rail sector. Proven track record of senior leadership in a complex regulatory or engineering environment. Experience engaging with multiple stakeholders including government, industry, and regulatory bodies. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex regulatory challenges.

About you
An inspirational and strategic leader with strong corporate leadership skills. Able to balance technical credibility with strategic vision and influence at senior levels. Committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture. Strong communicator with the ability to provide expert advice to boards and executive committees. Resilient and adaptable to change, with a passion for delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable railway outcomes.

Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications in engineering or a related discipline are desirable. Senior Civil Service experience or equivalent leadership experience in a regulatory or technical environment is preferred. Commitment to continuous professional development and regulatory excellence.