Chief Executive Officer
Posted by: Saxton Bampfylde
Employed By: Office of Rail and Road
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: Up to £195,000
Contract: Full-time
Location: London
Application Deadline: Monday, 11 May 2026
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Great Britain’s railways and also oversees the performance and efficiency of National Highways, who maintain and operate England’s strategic road network. ORR’s purpose is to protect the interests of rail and road users, workers and taxpayers by ensuring that the transport system is safe, efficient and delivers value for money, while supporting long‑term investment and performance.
ORR is operating at a pivotal moment for the rail and road sectors. The establishment of Great British Railways, the creation of a new Passenger Watchdog, and wider reform of the rail system will reshape the regulatory landscape, including ORR’s system‑wide monitoring, enforcement and advisory responsibilities. ORR is already transforming its organisation and regulatory approach in response to this evolving environment. At the same time, ORR’s role in holding National Highways to account for managing the strategic road network remains critical.
The Chief Executive Officer will lead ORR through this period of change, providing strategic leadership, clarity and momentum. As a member of the Board and ORR’s Accounting Officer, the Chief Executive will have overall responsibility for the management and delivery of the organisation, ensuring that ORR consistently delivers its statutory responsibilities to a high standard. The role requires stewardship of significant public resources, with responsibility for an annual budget of approximately £44m and leadership of around 370 colleagues across multiple locations and professional disciplines.
Representing ORR with credibility and independence, the Chief Executive will engage across government, industry and the public, and be accountable to Parliament for key regulatory decisions taken through the Board. The role demands the ability to balance long‑term system outcomes with short‑term performance pressures, ensuring ORR’s work on safety, performance, monitoring and enforcement remains robust, evidence‑based, proportionate and trusted. The Chief Executive will also play a central role in shaping ORR’s future capabilities, culture and operating model as the transport system continues to evolve.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of senior leadership in a complex organisation, with experience of setting strategic direction and translating it into effective delivery. They will demonstrate sound judgement, resilience and independence of mind, with the credibility to take robust decisions under scrutiny and to maintain public trust. Experience of operating within a regulatory, safety‑critical or infrastructure environment, and of engaging constructively with diverse stakeholders including government and industry, will be important. Above all, the successful candidate will bring a clear commitment to public value, integrity and inclusive, high‑quality leadership.
How to apply Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Office of Rail and Road on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference QBRQA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 11 May 2026.