Head of Access & Regulatory (3373)
- Salary:Competitive plus benefits
- Location:Monument Place
- Contract Type:Permanent
- Closing Date:14 February 2026
Shape the future of Britain's busiest rail network. Lead the team that drives GTR's strategic relationship with Network Rail. Make a real impact on how millions travel every day.
At GTR, we're passionate about delivering a better railway for our customers and communities. And to do that, we need bold thinkers, collaborative leaders, and experts who know how to make big things happen.
We're now looking for a Head of Access & Regulatory, a pivotal leadership role at the very heart of our network. If you thrive in complex environments, can influence at the highest levels, and want to see the direct impact of your work across performance, investment, major programmes and the customer experience… this is your opportunity.
What You'll Do
As our Head of Access & Regulatory, you'll lead a talented team of five specialists, setting their direction and championing their development. You'll be the strategic force behind GTR's contractual and regulatory relationships - ensuring we get the best from our £300m+ track and station access obligations.
Your work will shape major decisions across the railway. You'll:
- Lead and inspire a team of experts, supporting their growth and setting stretching objectives.
- Build powerful relationships with Network Rail - unlocking issues, resolving impasses, and driving shared success.
- Collaborate across GTR, helping colleagues understand the contractual levers that strengthen our performance and financial outcomes.
- Guide financial recovery strategy, ensuring the best value for GTR and our customers.
- Lead complex dispute resolution through adjudication, mediation, and arbitration.
- Shape the regulatory environment, providing strategic evidence and insight into industry changes.
- Assess and negotiate major funding agreements, securing favourable terms and mitigating commercial risk.
This is a role with real influence. You'll guide how GTR works with its most significant supplier - directly impacting the reliability, quality and future of our network.
What We're Looking For
You'll bring a mix of commercial acumen, industry knowledge and strategic leadership, including:
- Degree‑level education
- In‑depth understanding of the rail industry's regulatory, commercial, and funding structures
- Strong financial awareness - and a history of successful financial recovery from Network Rail
- Experience with Access Dispute Resolution Rules
- Appreciation of rail engineering and operations
- A strategic mindset with the confidence to act proactively
- Ability to influence, negotiate and build relationships at senior levels
- Proven commercial successes at a senior level
- Skilled at navigating complex scenarios and securing positive outcomes
- Please note this role is open to an industry secondment
Why Choose GTR?
Because your work will matter. You'll shape national rail policy, influence multi‑million‑pound decisions, and play a key part in how GTR delivers better journeys, better stations, and a better railway for all.
You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and expertise, where your ideas and leadership will make a difference from day one.
Ready to lead change across Britain's busiest rail network?
Apply today and help us build a better railway for the future.
Benefits
Pension
Staff Travel
Childcare Vouchers
Extra Holidays
Discount Scheme
Long Service Awards
Employee Assistance Programme
The Transport Benevolent Fund
In-House Occupational Health Department
Cycle to Work Scheme
Testimonials
What our staff say
“I work as part of the Fleet Infrastructure team, which means ensuring our 18 Engineering locations operate safely and efficiently. We oversee all building and track maintenance works as well as various minor and major projects across the network.”
Hannah Richards
Fleet Infrastructure Administrator
“I started in a small ticket office back in 1996 and have continued to work my way up ever since. A previous manager told me about a job he’d seen advertised for a trainer. ’d never considered a job in HR or mentoring before then, but he said I’d be perfect for it and I haven’t looked back since!”
Zoey Hudson
Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion
“Since April, I’ve helped to support our Kickstart Scheme. It’s been a really rewarding process to be part of because I know first-hand how tough it can be to find work once you’re out of it.”
Jack Gow
Mobile Station Manager
“I love the freedom that comes with being a train driver. Obviously, there are rules and regulations to follow as well as duties and commitments to carry out, but in a way, you’re sort of your own boss, which is nice.”
Ashley John
Train Driver
“I’m a Thameslink passenger host and team leader based at Luton station and I’m currently doing a Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship so that I can improve my skills even further. I was hesitant to do the apprenticeship at first because of my age – I left school over 60 years ago without any qualifications! It’s been hard to get back into the routine of learning again.”
Bob Bryce
Passenger Host Team Leader
“It was my brother’s suggestion to join the railway. He was already working in the industry and knew I had some university bills to pay off so told me to give it a go, get out of debt and see what I wanted to do next. After a while, it just felt like actually – this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m part of a great team and the on-board department as a whole are brilliant to work with. I feel at home here.”
Tonderai Matizha-Johnson
Area Operations Manager
“When I saw that GTR was advertising places for its apprenticeship scheme I looked into it straight away because I thought it was a great opportunity to learn whilst getting real life experience in a 9-5 job. I applied for a level three business administration apprenticeship and was thrilled to find out I had a place on the course! I was so excited that I didn’t even mind it was based 250 miles away from where I lived.”
Harriet Dee
Team Administrator
“Working for GTR is very rewarding and fulfilling. You really feel like you're making a difference to customers, no matter what role you're in as at the end of the day they're the heart of our business. I’ve had lots of opportunities to explore other aspects of the business including supporting our station staff and gaining my Train Dispatch Licence which has been enriching for my experience here.”
Maggie Luckhurst
Platform / Train Dispatch
“If you’ve always had an interest in rail, or maybe you’re just curious to find out what working in the railway might look like, GTR is the operator to go for. Not many companies do an official work experience program and this unique opportunity will give you a good grounding with varied activities to help you find the best place in the railway for you. It certainly did it for me.”
Nathaniel Owen
Station Manager