Location

Milton Keynes, GB

About Network Rail

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.

We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 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.

Vacancy Details

Duration: 12 month secondment or FTC with potential to go permanent

Location: This role is based in the Quadrant:MK. 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 3C, £55,596 - £65,966

About the Role

We’re looking for someone to lead the delivery of high‑quality apprenticeship and graduate programmes across our finance community. Working in partnership with accountancy bodies and training providers, you’ll ensure learners enjoy an engaging experience while tackling critical skills gaps and building the future finance talent pipeline.

What does the average day look like?

In an average day at Network Rail, you will balance people management, programme leadership and strategic delivery. You’ll be at the heart of developing and delivering high‑quality apprentice and graduate schemes, working with managers, training providers and professional bodies to shape a strong pipeline of future finance talent.

Your work could see you leading inductions for new entrants—sometimes involving overnight stays across the UK—supporting learners with their development and wellbeing, or collaborating with senior leaders to align programmes with industry and business needs. You’ll also monitor training provider performance, drive continuous improvement, and ensure every apprentice and graduate enjoys a rewarding, end‑to‑end experience.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who is not only strategic and driven, but also kind, compassionate and approachable—someone who can inspire confidence and trust in apprentices and graduates as they take their first steps in their careers. Working with young people requires patience, flexibility and understanding, and we need a leader who can balance those qualities with the ability to set direction and deliver results.

You’ll bring proven experience in early careers, ideally within large or complex organisations, along with the skills to design and deliver impactful programmes. Strong stakeholder management and the confidence to work with senior leaders, training providers and professional bodies are essential. Most importantly, you’ll have a genuine passion for supporting others, helping them to grow and succeed, while shaping the long‑term future of finance talent at Network Rail.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to a degree level, professional qualification or equivalent experience.
• Successful experience of leading training or apprentice/graduate programmes and delivering high quality provision for learners demonstrating return on investment for the organisation.
• Knowledge and/or experience of accountancy bodies i.e., AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW.
• Successful experience of working with apprenticeship standards and the levy funding process.
• Proven experience of senior stakeholder management.
• Proven influencing skills with the ability to direct and motivate others to deliver outcomes.
• Proven numeracy and analytical skills.
• Passionate about customer service with ability to articulate previous achievements through business deliverables.
• Awareness of safeguarding principals and the challenges facing inexperienced learners.
• Proven information and data management skills, with experience of using appropriate IT software.
• Demonstrable ability to work under pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Proven high integrity and resilience, with ability to raise contentious issues in a constructive manner.
• Evidence of strong leadership skills and ability to inspire others.
• Successful experience of working in a matrix management organisation.

Desirable

• Full membership of relevant professional body such as CIPD.
• Rail, Engineering or Construction sector experience.
• Knowledge of talent management and high-performance methodologies.

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….

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