About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
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. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. 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. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent.

Location: London Waterloo or Milton Keynes preferred. Alternatives considered. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes.

Band & Salary: Band 2C (£85,395 - £101,323).

To provide strategic oversight on leading the finance team/s that manage the financial analysis and accounting operations of the relevant business areas, to deliver budgets and financial forecasts, month-end reporting, year-end activities as well as financial and non-financial analysis to support strategic insight and enable sound business decisions to be made. The role leads on financial risk management and collaborates with senior leaders to create risk minimisation plans and contributes to enabling financial systems are fit for purpose.

About the team...

The finance directorate provides specialist expertise and advice to the entire business. It leads organisational wide planning, reporting, assurance and control processes and delivers high quality professional services.

What does the average day look like?

As Head of Financial Control & Analysis, your day will be a blend of strategic influence, operational oversight, and team leadership. You'll lead the financial control, governance, and reporting activities across the function. You’ll partner closely with senior stakeholders across the business, offering clear insight into financial risks and opportunities, challenging assumptions, and driving strategic decisions with data-driven evidence. Alongside this, you’ll lead your team to deliver high-quality management reporting and performance analysis, coaching them to thrive while embedding a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for an experienced leader with strong commercial awareness and a sharp eye for both strategic impact and operational detail. You’ll be comfortable operating at senior levels — influencing stakeholders, managing complexity, and challenging constructively to support better business decisions. You’ll bring a proven track record in leading high-performing teams, driving robust governance, and improving processes and systems to deliver meaningful change. Most importantly, you’ll share our commitment to responsible use of public funds and have the integrity, leadership, and drive to ensure our financial decisions support long-term value for both the organisation and the public we serve.

Essential Criteria

• Significant post qualification experience with relevant institution

• Strong demonstrable commercial experience

• Significant experience in balancing stakeholder expectations against the needs and capabilities of the business and wider government.

• Influence and lead senior stakeholders through effective conflict resolution by positive challenge

• Significant experience in influencing wider business decisions.

• Experience of leading and motivating a team.

• Strong ability to manage people through periods of significant changes and business pressures.

Desirable

• Wide and successful background either in rail or construction industry with extensive experience at a senior level

• Experience of working with government
  

Additional Information

Closing date: 5th August. However, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 18th August, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more .