Performance Challenge Manager

The Performance Challenge Manager will support the Department for Transport in driving improvements to rail operational performance across the industry. The role involves challenging delivery partners on the effectiveness of their improvement actions and ensuring tools like the Performance Improvement Management System (PIMS) are used effectively. The successful candidate will need to confidently engage with senior stakeholders on technical issues such as crew resourcing and timetabling. Working closely with both internal and external teams, particularly regional teams in the Rail Strategy Group as well as Network Rail, they will help maintain a strong industry-wide focus on performance. Strong relationship and influencing skills are essential for success in this role.

• Monitoring the delivery of activities to improve performance through PIMS
• Provide assurance that operators are collaborating effectively with infrastructure counterparts to deliver improved performance through commissioning and auditing joint performance strategies
• Commissioning and auditing maturity assessments such as RM3P, traincrew management maturity assessments
• Develop network-wide initiatives to address performance challenges, identified through engagement with delivery partners, influencing central policy, direction and funding
• Working with organisations such as Chartered Institute for Rail Operators (CIRO) to inform relevant training and promote this where required
• Support and line manage 2x Performance Challenge Advisors, setting objectives and providing coaching and mentoring to build team capabilities.
• Brief Ministers and senior management on risks, issues and opportunities

• Demonstrate agility in responding to emerging priorities, re-directing resource to address particular challenges as they arise.
• Proactive and adaptable approach, comfortable managing shifting priorities and responding to emerging issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills, with experience working across teams and organisations to drive shared goals.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to support, coach, and develop team members while setting clear objectives and expectations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex operational performance issues such as traincrew resourcing information and provide constructive challenge to delivery partners.
• Confident communicator with strong influencing skills, able to engage credibly with senior stakeholders and challenge technical details in areas such as traincrew resourcing and timetabling.

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

💷 Salary: £57,515 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 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.