Chief Information Officer:

About DFT Operator:DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership.DFTO has over 23,000 employees, runs over 6,000 services a day and delivers over 450 million customer journeys across its networks every year. This accounts for 26% of total UK passenger journeys and 30% of passenger miles.Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern and South Western Railway (SWR).Job Title = Chief Information OfficerDirectorate = FinanceTo lead DFTO’s IT, data, and cybersecurity across DFTO as an entity, and have a strategic view of these across all TOCs. The CIO is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, andoptimisation of the Group’s IT infrastructure which is currently quite fragmented, establishing a robust data function, and enhancing the company''s cybersecurity resilience.The CIO ensures that the company’s expanding network issupported by forward looking technologies, data-driven insights, and secure systems. The CIO is alsoresponsible for fostering cross-functional collaboration to support DFTO’s growth and industry development, ensuring future compatibility with GBR.Planning and Execution:- Excels at creating and implementing detailed, effective plans for IT, cybersecurity, and data strategy development that align with DFTO’s growth objectives. Proficient in analysing data and system performance, utilising insights to inform decision-making,optimize IT infrastructure, and guide long-term strategies.Adept at assessing risk and addressingcomplex challenges within DFTO.Communicates effectively with leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners and is able to set the IT agenda through a compelling vision.Fosters a collaborative environment across DFTO’s portfolio, promoting teamwork within IT, cybersecurity, and data teams, as well as cross-industry groups.Able to navigate differences between IT, business units, and external partners to maintain alignment and focus on shared goals.Anticipates potential issues and challenges within the IT and cybersecurity landscape and develops mitigation strategies.Demonstrates an ability to think ahead, preventing disruptions and minimising risks.Ensures transparency in decision-making and operations, particularly in cybersecurity and data handling.Professional Networking:Capable of building and leveraging a robust network of industry contacts, fostering partnerships that can benefit DFTO’s IT, data, and cybersecurity objectives.Develop IT Roadmap and support integrationConduct a full review of the current TOCs'' IT systems, researching existing infrastructures, andidentifying areas for optimisation and improvement in an evolving industry corporate @context.Support DfT’s Public Ownership Transition Programme (POTP) team to identify and resolve risks in TOC transfer, and to ensure alignment and scalability as DFTO expands.Cybersecurity AssuranceReview DFTO entity and TOC cybersecurity strategies, and recommend improvement, to ensurethe safety and integrity of data and operations across all TOCs.Review and monitor DFTO entity and TOC cybersecurity protocols for robustness andcompliance with relevant regulations and industry standards in DFTO entityDevelop IT Capacity within DFTO entityBuild and enhance the IT capacity of DFTO at a corporate level, ensuring it can support and scale with the company''s growth.Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the IT department, identifying and deploying best practices, tools, and technologies.Create a delivery and governance framework to manage IT projects and ensure delivery of high-quality solutions on time and within budget.Establish a centralised data strategy for DFTO, ensuring that data collection, management, and analysis are aligned with the company’s goals.Build the infrastructure and capabilities needed to transform data into actionable insights that enhance operational performance across all TOCs.Lead the development of data governance and data security practices, ensuring data integrity and compliance across all systems. Foster a data-driven culture within DFTO by promoting the use of analytics and insights in decision-making processes.In time, lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing IT, data, and cybersecurity team to meet the demands of DFTO’s expanding operations.Promote collaboration between DFTO’s IT and data teams and other departments, ensuring smooth and cohesive operation across functions.Act as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team, providing insights on technological and data-driven innovations that could benefit DFTO’s business.DFTO

Group digital capability developmentSupport collaboration across TOCs and more widely to drive the development of digital solutions.Attend DFTO Digital Board and support deliverables as required.Partner with key stakeholders across the industry and DFTO TOCs to identify technology and data needs and align solutions with business objectives and industry corporate change. ·As required manage relationships with external IT and data vendors and service providers, ensuring that DFTO receives the best value and services.Bachelor''s or Master''s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science,Cybersecurity, or a related field.Proven experience as a Chief Information Officer, or similar leadership role in a multi-entityorganisation.Strong knowledge of enterprise IT systems, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, digitaltransformation initiatives, and data management.Experience leading IT and data projects across multiple subsidiaries, locations, or operatingcompanies, preferably in the transportation or infrastructure sectors.Demonstrated success in leading digital transformation, data infrastructure development, and IT infrastructure improvements.Solid understanding of data governance, analytics, and cybersecurity frameworks, with hands-on experience managing related programs.Experience working within the transportation, logistics, or rail industries.Familiarity with TOC operations and regulatory requirements related to transportation and rail services.Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contributionOpportunities to learn and network across the wider industry